Saul was a religious young man determined to destroy the movement of Christ followers known as the Way. Saul had not only watched the stoning of Stephen, he had given his approval. In Acts chapter 9, Saul requested letters from the high priest giving permission to track down Christians in the synagogues in Damascus and imprison them in Jerusalem. Saul was willing to travel approximately 135 miles (one way!) to destroy this movement.
As Saul approached Damascus, he saw a bright light that caused him to fall to the ground. A voice said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4). After Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” (v. 5), the Lord stated, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (v. 5). When Saul rose from the ground, he was blind (v. 8).
Saul’s blindness was symbolic of his life before encountering Jesus. Despite Saul’s religious fervor, he was blind to the truth of the gospel. As Paul writes elsewhere, “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge” (Rom. 10:1–2).
In Damascus, a disciple of the Way named Ananias had a vision from the Lord. He was to meet Saul and lay hands on him to restore his sight. Ananias was concerned because of all he had heard about Saul. However, he obeyed God and after laying hands on Saul, the scale-like material fell off Saul’s eyes.
The first man Saul saw after his conversion was a faithful believer who referred to Saul as his brother (Acts 9:17–18). God can change the hardest hearts and may use you to open the spiritual ears and eyes of those you least expect to come to Christ.
Go Deeper
Do you know someone who seems hardened to the gospel? How does Saul’s story encourage you in your prayers for this person?
Pray with Us
We know there is no heart too far gone for You to rescue, Jesus. Please remind us of this when we feel someone is beyond saving. Thank You for letting us be part of Your redemptive plan.
This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.Acts 9:15
