ACC ~ Acts 9 v18

EYES OPEN AND STILL UNSEEING. CHRYSOSTOM: “And there something like scales fell from his eyes.” Saying these words [Ananias] laid hands on him. Some say this was a sign of his blindness. Why did he not blind his eyes [entirely]? It was more paradoxical that “when his eyes were opened, he could see nothing.” This he suffered in respect to the law, until the name of Jesus was laid on him. “And immediately,” it says, “he was baptized and took food and was strengthened.” He was weakened then both from his journey and from his fear, both from hunger and from dejection. Wishing therefore to deepen his dejection, he made the man blind until the coming of Ananias; and to prevent him from thinking the blindness imaginary, the scales. Paul needed no other teaching; his experience was his instruction. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 20.

THE SCALES OF A DRAGON. BEDE: Every dragon’s body is said to be covered with scales. Therefore, because the Jews were called “serpents and a brood of vipers,” this man, who had been an eager follower of their lack of faith, covered over the eyes of his heart, so to speak, with a serpent’s skin. With the falling of the scales from his eyes under the hands of Ananias, however, his face showed that he had received the true light in his mind. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 9.18.

PAUL’S CONVERSION WAS NOT COERCED. CHRYSOSTOM: If anyone should call this the effect of compulsion, [let him note that] the same thing happened to Elymas. How was it then that he was not changed? What could be more compelling than the earthquake at the resurrection, the report of the soldiers, the other miracles and the sight of him risen? These things, however, do not compel belief but are apt to teach it. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 19.