Saul’s conversion is one of the most significant events in the New Testament and is recorded in Acts 9:1–19, with further retellings in Acts 22 and Acts 26. It marks the transformation of Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of Christians, into Paul the Apostle, a devoted servant of Jesus Christ.
At the beginning of Acts 9, Saul is described as “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.” He sought letters from the high priest to the synamagog/”>gogues in Damascus, intending to arrest followers of Jesus and bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1–2).
As he neared Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly shone around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul responded, “Who are You, Lord?” and the voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 9:3–5).
Blinded by the light, Saul was led by the hand into Damascus, where he remained three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:8–9). Meanwhile, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul and lay hands on him so that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Though Ananias was hesitant, knowing Saul’s reputation, he obeyed.
Ananias laid hands on Saul, and something like scales fell from his eyes. Saul was baptized, received food, and was strengthened (Acts 9:17–19). Immediately, he began preaching Christ in the synagogues, declaring that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20).
This conversion shows the grace and power of God to transform the most hardened of sinners. Saul’s encounter with the risen Christ changed his identity, purpose, and destiny. He would go on to become one of the most influential figures in church history, authoring many New Testament epistles and spreading the Gospel across the Roman world.
The event testifies to the reality of Christ’s resurrection, the Lordship of Jesus, and the transforming power of the Gospel. It also illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
