Acts 9:18
What does Acts 9:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:18 means
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and his sight was restored. This physical healing was a dramatic outward sign of his inward spiritual transformation. Following this, he arose and was baptized, publicly signifying his repentance, faith in Jesus, and identification with the Christian community. This swift progression from blindness to sight, and then to baptism, marked his complete break with his past and his full embrace of his new life in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And straight away it seemed as if a veil was taken from his eyes, and he was able to see; and he got up, and had baptism;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, he saw again also presently, and having risen, was baptized,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales: and he received his sight. And rising up, he was baptized.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he saw, and rising up was baptised;
Context
This verse describes the immediate and miraculous outcome of Ananias's visit to Saul, following the promise in verse 17. The instantaneous restoration of sight and subsequent baptism are pivotal moments, symbolizing Saul's total spiritual and physical transformation. This rapid progression from conversion to initial commitment sets the framework for his immediate and bold proclamation of Jesus, which will surprise everyone.
v.17And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
v.18This passage
v.19and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.
- Acts 2:38
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 13:37
but he whom God raised up saw no corruption.
- 2 Corinthians 3:14
but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6
Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
- Acts 2:41
They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.
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