“And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,—the imagery of scales (lepides) suggests a reptilian coating or obstruction, perhaps evoking the spiritual blindness of those hardened against the gospel. The immediacy of sight and baptism (no delay, no extended catechesis) shows water baptism's swift inclusion into the body of Christ. The sequence: vision → instruction → laying on of hands → scales fall → baptism, depicts the full incorporation into the community.
Church Fathers on Acts 9:18
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales. Acts 9:18 Some say this was a sign of his blindness. Why did he not blind his eyes (entirely)? This was more wonderful, that, with his eyes open, he did not see: Acts 9:8 which was just his case in respect of the Law, until the Name of Jesus was put on him.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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