Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 9:1

ANd Saul yet breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the discipl[illegible: 1 letter] of the Lord, went unto the c high priest,

St. Luke intending a narrative of the wonderful conversion of St. Paul, lets us know what manner of person he was before his conversion, that none might despond of the grace of God, who earnestly and heartily seek it.

So full of rage within, that the stream was outwardly apparent, which that inward fire had sent forth; nothing less than destruction of the Church is aimed at by its enemies; whilest Saul was one of them, he hunted after their pretious life too.

Who did usually preside in their great Council, in which they did take cognisance of such matters; the blood of Stephen did not quench their thirst, but increased it; they would spill more still.

Marginal references: Chap. 8.3. Gal. 1.13. 1 Tim 1.13.