Saul Becomes Paul

Saul of Tarsus was one of the most feared persecutors of early Christians. He had official letters authorizing him to arrest followers of Jesus in the city of Damascus and bring them to Jerusalem. He was breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He was sure that Christians were wrong and that he was doing God's will by stopping them.

As Saul was traveling on the road to Damascus, suddenly a blinding light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground, and a voice said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" Saul asked, trembling, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Saul was told to go into the city and wait for further instructions.

For three days, Saul was blind and neither ate nor drank. A disciple named Ananias was sent by God to pray for him. When Ananias laid his hands on Saul and prayed, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. He was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. From that moment, the persecutor became the greatest missionary the Church has ever known — Paul, who wrote nearly half the New Testament. No one is too far gone for God's grace.