The Conversion of Paul

Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee, educated under Gamaliel, zealous for the traditions of his fathers. He saw the rapidly growing movement of Jesus-followers as a dangerous heresy that threatened Judaism. When Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned, Saul stood there giving approval to his death. But approval from the sidelines wasn't enough for Saul. Acts 8 says he began to destroy the church, going from house to house, dragging off men and women and putting them in prison. He was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples, driven by religious zeal to eradicate this sect.

Saul went to the high priest and asked for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, requesting authority to arrest any followers of the Way he found there—both men and women—and bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Damascus was about 150 miles from Jerusalem, a journey of about a week. Saul was so committed to his mission that he was willing to travel that distance just to find and persecute Christians. He was convinced he was serving God by eliminating these blasphemers who claimed a crucified criminal was the Messiah.

As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. It was brighter than the midday sun, causing him and his companions to fall to the ground. Then Saul heard a voice say in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' The repetition of his name showed personal address and deep emotion. The question was penetrating—Jesus didn't ask why Saul persecuted His followers but why he persecuted Jesus Himself. To touch Christ's church is to touch Christ.

'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. The reply shattered his entire worldview: 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.' The Jesus that Saul thought was dead and buried had just spoken to him from heaven. The heresy Saul was trying to destroy was the truth, and his zealous service to God had been rebellion against God. Everything he believed about Jesus, about the Messiah, about his mission—all of it was wrong. The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but didn't see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. His companions led him by the hand into Damascus.

For three days Saul was blind and did not eat or drink anything. The man who had set out with authority and purpose now sat in darkness, fasting and praying, his entire identity dismantled. Meanwhile, the Lord spoke in a vision to a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, instructing him to go to Saul. Ananias was understandably terrified: 'Lord, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.' Ananias knew Saul's reputation and mission.

But the Lord said, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.' God had already chosen Saul—not despite his persecution but in full knowledge of it—to be His apostle to the Gentiles. The persecutor would become the preacher, the destroyer would become the builder, and the one who caused suffering would experience it himself for Christ's sake. Ananias obeyed, though it must have required tremendous courage and faith.

Ananias went to the house where Saul was staying, placed his hands on him and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus, and at once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

All those who heard him were astonished. 'Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?' But Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. His conversion was so complete and his preaching so effective that the Jews conspired to kill him. After many days, they watched the city gates day and night to murder him, but his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

When Saul came to Jerusalem, the disciples were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. They thought it might be a trick to infiltrate and arrest them. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, explaining how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He later became known as Paul, and his letters would form much of the New Testament. His life demonstrated that Christ's grace is sufficient for the worst of sinners, and that encountering the risen Lord transforms everything.