[MYM] 35.0 The conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus

The context of Paul’s conversion must be understood within the larger framework of the early Christian movement and Saul’s role as its adversary. At the time, Christianity was still a fledgling sect within Judaism, and its members were often referred to as “the Way” (Acts 9:2). Saul, a highly educated Pharisee and a zealous advocate for Jewish law, viewed the rise of Christianity as a threat to traditional Jewish practices and beliefs. He had been actively involved in persecuting Christians, approving of their arrests, and even participating in the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58–8:1). Saul’s mission to rid Judaism of what he perceived as a dangerous heresy was not limited to Jerusalem; he sought authorization from the high priests to travel to Damascus, a major city in Syria, with the intent of arresting Christians there and bringing them back to Jerusalem for trial.

Saul’s journey to Damascus is abruptly interrupted by a supernatural event that changes the course of his life. As he nears the city, a bright light from heaven suddenly surrounds him, causing him to fall to the ground. From this light, Saul hears a voice calling his name: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). In a state of confusion and fear, Saul responds, asking, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice identifies itself as Yeshua, saying, “I am Yeshua, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). This moment marks a profound revelation for Saul. His violent actions against Christians were, in fact, actions against Yeshua himself. The voice commands Saul to rise and go into the city, where he will be told what to do next.

Blinded by the light, Saul is led by his companions into Damascus. For three days, he remains without sight, neither eating nor drinking. During this time, Saul is in a state of deep reflection, struggling to come to terms with what has just occurred. His previous understanding of God, his role in persecuting Christians, and his perception of Yeshua as a false prophet are all shattered.

At the same time, God appears to a Christian disciple named Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul. Despite his initial hesitation, knowing Saul’s reputation, Ananias obeys and finds Saul in a house on Straight Street. Ananias lays his hands on Saul, and immediately something like scales fall from Saul’s eyes, restoring his sight. Ananias tells Saul that he has been chosen to be a witness to Yeshua, to spread the message of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. Saul is baptized, and his physical and spiritual blindness is healed.

The conversion of Saul to Paul is a dramatic and transformative moment in the history of the early Church. The once-persecutor becomes one of its most passionate and influential advocates. His conversion highlights several key themes in Christian theology, such as grace, redemption, and the power of divine intervention. Saul, now known as Paul, immediately begins to proclaim Yeshua as the Messiah in the synagogues of Damascus, astounding those who knew him as a fervent enemy of Christians. His dramatic conversion and subsequent missionary journeys become central to the spread of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean world, underscoring the idea that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The event also emphasizes the personal and intimate relationship between Yeshua and his followers—Saul’s persecution of Christians was not just an attack on a movement but on Messiah himself. Paul’s conversion is, therefore, not just a change of belief but a profound encounter with the living Christ, which would shape the trajectory of Christian history for centuries to come.