A Transformative Encounter
Acts 9:1–9 (NASB95)
1Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” 7The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Chapter 9 of Acts starts another shift in the narrative. We are introduced to Saul, later known as Paul. From here, we can see that the Gentile mission will rapidly accelerate.
Saul, equipped with authority from the high priest, journeys to Damascus to persecute followers of “the Way.” His passion for Jewish tradition (Phil 3:5–6) compels him to suppress what he sees as a blasphemous sect. However, God sovereignly redirects Saul’s misguided zeal, showing that no human opposition can hinder His mission. The “letters to the synagogues” illustrate Saul’s influence and the Sanhedrin’s complicity, yet even their combined power pales in comparison to Christ’s glory.
A blinding light from heaven halts Saul’s journey, and the voice of Jesus confronts him: “Why are you persecuting Me?” This theophany echoes divine calls like Moses’ burning bush and Isaiah’s temple vision (Isa 6:1–8), positioning Saul’s conversion within God’s redemptive history. Jesus’ identification with His persecuted church underscores the unity of Christ and His followers. What happens to the Church—here, persecution—Jesus states is equivalent to persecuting the Lord Himself. Saul’s physical blindness symbolizes his spiritual condition: zealous yet alienated from God’s true purpose.
Deprived of sight and self-sufficiency, Saul follows Jesus’ command to wait for instructions in Damascus. His three-day fast represents repentance and total dependence on God, preparing him for baptism and his apostolic calling. This passive waiting contrasts sharply with his earlier aggression, highlighting the humility needed to receive God’s grace.
Like Saul, believers must discern God’s voice even amidst life’s disruptions. What “Damascus road” moments is God using to redirect our misplaced zeal or pride? Saul’s radical transformation from persecutor to apostle reminds us that no one is beyond God’s redemption. His encounter reveals a foundational truth: Christ’s light exposes our blind spots and invites us into His mission. May we, like Saul, respond with humility and courage, trusting that the One who calls us will equip us to walk in His light.
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight