Hope in the Bible: Saul’s Conversion

We first meet Saul {who would later become Paul} at the stoning of Stephen. “Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.”  {Acts 7:58}

Saul is one of the Sanhedrin and prosecuting the believers of Christ.  “Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.”  {Acts 9:1}

With letters in hand to prosecute the Christians, he heads out for Damascus not knowing he’s about to experience a life changing experience.

As he neared Damascus, a light flashed from heaven and he falls to the ground.  A voice ask “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  {Acts 9:4}

He ask who is speaking to him.  ““I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.”  {Acts 9:5} He’s then told to go to the city and do what he’s told.

The men accompanying him, look at one another with wonderment, “they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ^“  {Acts 9:7}

Saul has been blinded and is led to town where he didn’t eat or drink for three days. {Acts 9:8-9}

The Lord appears to his follower, Ananias, and sends him to visit Saul. Laying his hand on Saul, the scales fall from the man’s eyes, was baptized and then ate. {Acts 9:10-19}

Saul spent a couple of days with the disciples of Christ and then starts to preach. When a conspiracy allows to kill him, he’s lowered outside the city wall and goes to join the disciples in Jerusalem. {Acts 9:19-31}

The next time we meet Saul, we’re told he’s now called Paul. {Acts 13:9}

Paul spread the gospel to the gentiles and suffered being shipwrecked and persecuted, but Jesus Christ used him to spread the message to the Gentiles.  Half of the New Testament is believed to be written by Paul. {Romans to Hebrews}  Even today his words and message continue to minister to the world and provide the hope of Jesus Christ.