Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 9:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. He fitly mentions Paul's zeal, and shows that in the very midst of his zeal he is drawn. …

Homily on Acts 19 ↗

Ephrem the Syrian

But again for another reason the meek voice accompanied the overpowering light; namely, that as it were from meekness unto exaltation our Lord might produce help for the persecutor; in like manner as also all His helps were produced, from lowliness unto greatness. For our Lord's meekness continued from the womb to the tomb. And observe that greatness comes close upon His lowliness, and exaltation on His meekness. …

Homily - On Our Lord, 33 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Explaining the frenzy of Paul – Saul, the future great apostle Paul – against the faithful and against the Church, Luke shows that he was carried away by impure zeal, because in him was fulfilled what Christ said: "Everyone who kills you will think that he is thereby serving God" (Jn. 16:2). Because he did not do this the way the other Jews did. God forbid! That he did this out of zeal is evident from the fact that he went even to the outlying cities, whereas the Jews paid no attention even to those in Jerusalem. …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Western Saints

Bede

Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. Evidently present by afflicting with murders, and deterring the absent with threats.

Commentary on Acts ↗

Cassiodorus

"And Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord," etc. Paul, still meaning harm to the Lord's faithful, asked the high priest for letters, so that, if he found any preachers of Christ, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. …

Complexiones on the Acts of the Apostles ↗