The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

4 I persecuted this way. This is the second point, that he was an enemy to Christ his doctrine: and that he was more fervent in resisting the same then all the rest, until he was pulled back by the hand of God: which thing he sayeth the chief Priest and Elders can testify. Therefore there can be no suspicion in such a sudden change. Whereas he sayeth, that he had letters given him to deliver to the brethren, it must be referred unto the Jews, as if he had called them his country men: but he meant to appease them with a more honourable title. For this is Paul his drift, that he may declare his natural and lawful beginning which he took of that nation: and also how desirous he was to be linked with them in friendship.

4 I persecuted this way. This is the second point, that he was an enemie to Christ his doctrine: and that he was more feruent in resisting the same then all the rest, vntill hee was pulled backe by the hande of God: which thing hee sayeth the chiefe Priest and Elders can testifie. Therefore there can bee no suspition in such a sodaine change. Wheras hee saieth, that hee had letters giuen him to deliuer to the brethren, it must bee referred vnto the Iewes, as if hee had called them his countrie men: but hee meant to appease them with a more honourable tytle. For this is Paule his drifte, that hee may declare his naturall and lawefull beginnyng which hee tooke of that nation: and also howe desirous hee was to bee linked with them in friendshippe.

6 And it happened that as I journeyed and drew near to Damascus about noon, that suddenly a great light shone round about me from Heaven. 7 And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, who art thou Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest. 9 And they which wherewith me saw indeed the light, and were afraid, but they heard not the voice of him which talked with me. 10 Then I said, what shall I do Lord? And the Lord said to me, Arise, and go to Damascus, and there it shall be told thee, what things be ordained for thee to do. 11 And when I saw not by reason of the glory of the light, being led by the hand by those companions which were with me, I came to Damascus.