The Road to Damascus

Saul, who was breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, obtained letters from the high priest to the synagogues of Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). His intent was to bring any who were of this way, whether men or women, bound to Jerusalem. As he came near Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly shined round about him, causing him to fall to the earth (Acts 9:3-4). He heard a voice asking why he persecuted him, and the speaker identified himself as Jesus, whom Saul was persecuting. The text does not say what the men traveling with Saul saw, but they stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no man (Acts 9:7).

Saul arose from the earth, but when his eyes were opened, he saw no man. He was led by the hand into Damascus and remained for three days without sight, during which time he neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:8-9). In Damascus, the Lord spoke in a vision to a disciple named Ananias, instructing him to go to the house of Judas on the street called Straight to inquire for Saul of Tarsus. Although Ananias expressed concern regarding Saul’s reputation for doing evil to the saints in Jerusalem, the Lord identified Saul as a chosen vessel to bear his name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:13-15).

Ananias went to the house and put his hands on Saul, stating that the Lord Jesus had sent him so that Saul might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:17). Immediately, there fell from Saul’s eyes as it had been scales, and he received his sight. The text does not say what these scales were composed of. Saul then arose and was baptized, and after he had received meat, he was strengthened (Acts 9:18-19).