Paul’s Testimony and the Power of His Encounter

Acts 22:6–11 (NASB95) 

6“But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8“And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9“And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10“And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’  

11“But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus. 

As Paul recounts his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he is not merely sharing a personal story but making a powerful point to his audience. Paul’s testimony is designed to show that his transformation and mission were not self-initiated but divinely orchestrated. By describing how Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light and called him by name, Paul emphasizes that his ministry is rooted in the authority of the risen Christ. He is addressing a hostile crowd that views him as a traitor to Jewish traditions, and his testimony serves to bridge the gap between his past zeal for the law and his current mission to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. Paul’s encounter with Jesus is the foundation of his calling, and by sharing it, he seeks to demonstrate that his message is not a rejection of God’s law but a fulfillment of God’s plan through Christ. His testimony is a defense of the truth and a call for his audience to recognize the same Jesus who transformed his life. 

Paul’s testimony reminds us of the power of sharing our personal encounters with Jesus to point others to the truth of the Gospel. Like Paul, we are called to boldly proclaim how Jesus has transformed our lives, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding. His example also challenges us to root our witness in the authority of Christ, ensuring that our words and actions reflect His truth. As the modern church, let us be faithful in sharing our stories of God’s grace, trusting that He can use them to open hearts and draw others to Himself. May we, like Paul, stand firm in the truth and boldly testify to the life-changing power of Jesus.