Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.
Parallel translations
- WEB When I couldn’t see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
- KJV And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
- NKJV And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
- NASB But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I came into Damascus being led by the hand by those who were with me.
- NLT “I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Blinded by the glory of the light, Paul has to be led by hand into Damascus. The proud persecutor enters the city helpless and humbled.
Overview
The physical blindness mirrors the spiritual blindness in which Paul had lived (compare 2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Once the confident leader of an arresting party, he is now led by the hand like a child. God humbles before he exalts, and from this helplessness Paul will receive sight, baptism, and his calling.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Acts 9:8–9Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
- Isa 42:16I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.
- Acts 13:11Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and for a time you will be blind and unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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