Apostle Paul From Persecutor to Preacher, Part 4

Saul discovered that he was blind. When Jesus revealed Himself to the zealous persecutor of the church (whom Christ identified with His own being), the Lord told the enemy of Christians to stand up and go into Damascus for further instructions. When Saul stood to his feet, he could not see and had to be led by the hand into the city.

For three days, the sightless Pharisee did not eat or drink as he prayerfully contemplated his encounter with Jesus. But God had not forgotten Saul and, in a vision, asked a disciple named Ananias to visit Saul. The follower of Jesus was hesitant and said, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13).

But the Lord told Ananias, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear my name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (v. 15, 16).

Ananias faithfully obeyed God, went to the very street where Saul was staying, and placed his hands on him, saying, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 17). In that moment, “There fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized” (v. 18).

Saul was physically blinded when Jesus revealed Himself on the road to Damascus. Perhaps the Lord wanted him to feel his utter helplessness and need of the Holy Spirit. Maybe God wanted Saul to think deeply about his actions, how he was mercilessly persecuting God’s church. After those three days of darkness, a resurrection took place. Not only did he receive his sight, but he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

That’s often how conversions take place. We must realize just how dark our life has become without Christ. And when we cry for help, the Lord sends the Spirit … who leads us to making a commitment to Jesus and His body of believers through baptism.

Reflect: When did you last witness someone’s baptism? What stood out for you as you watched the ceremony? God wants us to demonstrate our full commitment to Him through baptism.

Key Bible Texts

And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. (Acts 22:10 KJV)