But Saul still breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, came to the high priest, and desired of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus,

and Esaias positively affirms, "I was found of them that sought me not, I was made manifest to them that asked not after me:"

among whom also we were all conversant heretofore in our carnal desires, indulging the appetites of the flesh and of our imaginations; and were by nature children of wrath, even as others.

For we also were formerly foolish, disobedient, going astray, enslaved to various disorderly appetites and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

He layeth

and what the exceeding greatness of his power towards us who believe, according to the energy of his mighty strength;

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, for which God before prepared us, that we might walk in them.

of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God conferred on me by the effectual operation of his power.

For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and in much certainty; as ye know what sort of persons we were among you for your sakes.

and they may awake out of the snare of the devil, who have been captivated by him to his will.

who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Rejoicing

and bring hither the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and be merry:

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy in you may continue, and that your joy may be full.

looking unto Jesus the leader and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

General references

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.