Acts 8:3

“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, etc.] Did evil to the saints, destroyed them that called upon the name of Christ, (<440913>Acts 9:13,21) and persecuted and wasted the church of God, as he himself says, (Gal 1:13) and now did Benjamin, of which tribe Saul was, ravine as a wolf, (<014927>Genesis 49:27) Entering into every house; where the saints dwelt: and haling men and women: in a violent manner, without any regard to age or sex: committed them to prison; delivered them up into the hands of the chief priests and magistrates, in order to be committed and sent to prison; this he himself confesses, (<442204>Acts 22:4, 26:10).”

“Saul . . . entering into every house--like as inquisitor [BENGEL]. haling men and women, &c.--See his own affecting confessions afterwards (Act 22:4; Act 26:9-10; Co1 15:9; Gal 1:13; Phi 3:6; Ti1 1:13).”

“As for Saul - But Saul. He took no interest or part in the pious attentions shown to Stephen, but engaged with zeal in the work of persecution. He made havoc - ἐλυμαίνετο elumaineto. This word is commonly applied to wild beasts, to lions, wolves, etc., and denotes the “devastations” which they commit. Saul raged against the church like a wild beast - a strong expression, denoting the zeal and fury with which he engaged in persecution. Entering into every house - To search for those who were suspected of being Christians. Haling - Dragging, or compelling them. Committed them to prison - The Sanhedrin had no power to put them to death, John 18:31. But they had power to imprison; and they…”

“Saul made havoc of the Church - Like some furious beast of prey. So the Greek word properly signifies. Men and women - Regarding neither age nor sex. Acts 8:4”

“Act 7:58, Act 9:1-13, Act 9:21, Act 22:3, Act 22:4, Act 26:9-11; Co1 15:9; Gal 1:13; Phi 3:6; Ti1 1:13 Acts 8:4”