Conversion of Paul

It was on one of these persecuting excursions that the course of Paul's life was spectacularly and completely changed. Hearing that there were Christians in Damascus, he sought from the high priest letters—evidently letters of extradition—authorizing him to arrest and bring to Jerusalem any Christian found in that city (Acts 9:1, 2). As Paul approached Damascus at midday with a company of men to aid him in his murderous designs, he was suddenly surrounded by a blinding light, brighter than the sun. Paul and his companions fell to the earth (ch 26:14), and a voice, identifying its owner as Jesus of Nazareth, inquired, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" adding, "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." Paul, overwhelmed by the experience, asked what he was to do, upon which Jesus informed him that he was to become a witness for Him to the Gentiles (vs 16, 17). He was instructed to go into Damascus, where he would receive further information. Meanwhile his amazed and fearful companions, who had arisen from the ground (see ch 9:7), understood nothing of what was taking place, for although they saw the light and heard the words of Jesus, they could not understand what was being said (cf. chs 9:7 22:9). Rising to his feet, Paul discovered that he was blind.

In that condition Paul was led by his companions to the home of a certain Judas in Damascus, where he stayed 3 days without food or drink (Acts 9:8, 9, 11). While Paul was engaged in prayer, Jesus appeared in vision to one Ananias and directed him to the home of Judas, on the "street which is called Straight," where he would find Paul, who had been given a vision of his coming. Ananias respectfully reminded Jesus of Paul's acts of persecution, but was informed that the erstwhile persecutor had been chosen of God (vs 11—16). Following instructions, Ananias found Paul and laid his hands upon him, whereupon Paul's sight was immediately restored and he received the gift of the Holy Spirit and was baptized (vs 17, 18).