Physical affliction has a way of refocusing how we see life. Whether the consequence of sin or merely living in a fallen world, suffering produces the kind of clarity we might not have the capacity to receive any other way. Temporary loss of physical faculties can result in a permanent shift in spiritual perspective. But let’s be honest: affliction is rarely our chosen means of hard-won wisdom.
Saul, Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, needed a shift in perspective himself—a gross understatement, of course. He seethed with anger toward followers of the Way, “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). Thoroughly committed to the imprisonment and suffering of Christians, he set about the land in a hunt for those who loved Jesus (v.2–3). That’s what put him on the road to Damascus, and that’s where he encountered the real target of his persecution: Jesus Christ.
The scene begins with an image that reminds me of something from an action film; a helicopter chase from the sky, spotlighting the criminal on the ground in active pursuit. At the flashing light and voice from heaven (vv.3–4), Saul was dumbfounded, falling to the ground as he heard, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (v.4). Though he didn’t know who was confronting him, Saul understood the authority of the one speaking, so he answered, “Who are you, Lord?” an address signifying reverence.
“I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied.
“But get up and go into the city,
and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:5–6).
The irony is not lost on me. The hunter had become the hunted. Jesus blinds Saul for three days and tells him to finish his journey to Damascus (vv.6–9). By the time the scales fall from Saul’s eyes, sight restored and filled with the Holy Spirit, his fervor once set against Jesus Christ is now forever submitted to the will of the Lord (v.20). Extraordinary!
It’s a brilliant, strategic move, using Saul as an “instrument” to spread the gospel (vv.15–16). But this is also a story of unfathomable mercy and personal gospel transformation. Saul (also known as Paul) was physically humbled in order to receive the gospel revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12). Blinding him was God’s chosen means through which Saul could finally see Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
Oh, that humanity wouldn’t need to suffer in order to truly see. Not all suffering is caused by our own short-sighted sin or by God, but all pain has the power to make us more like Jesus, the Suffering Servant who is our Savior (Isaiah 53). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, may we submit our will to His in all circumstances, drawn not to isolation, but into deeper communion with the one who has overcome the world (John 16:33).
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42 thoughts on "Saul’s Conversion"
Oh this speaks to me SO MUCH. I was a Saul for sure. Growing up, my experience with religion was no great, so as soon as I was on my own, I rebelled against it. And I was a fighter against Jesus. I remember the arguments I’d get with my devout mom, telling her that Jesus was conceited for saying He was the only way. I would argue against the affront of missionaries going to other countries claiming Jesus was the only way. I was so combative. And I was stubborn. So I always tell people that God hit me with a spiritual 2×4– and it was necessary because I was not listening. And he humbled me in a such a way that when all was said and done, I only needed Him. It’s been a journey. I’m still a work in progress. But I love my life centered in Jesus.
I love reading about the Lord’s encounter with Ananias in Acts 9:10-16. Although it’s more than safe to assume that when God tells us something to do, He will see it through, He knows a lot we don’t know, and He doesn’t owe us any explanation, God still helps Ananias with the fear he has. Love that about how Jesus does treat us as friends instead of slaves. Also it’s interesting that God doesn’t call us to mindless martyrdom. There are several plots mentioned to capture and kill Paul which having come off of Stephen’s story, I can think that is the noble thing to do, to take the opportunity to die for Christ but it was not his time yet. I suppose it takes really being in tune with the Spirit to know when it’s time to flee persecution or when it’s time to face it head on
Jesus touch’s people He knew would be able to tell His story, and the people would believe.
When I first came to Jesus I was ashamed…actually embarrassed. What will my friends and family think about me, a sinner, all of a sudden coming to Jesus. I was ridiculed and made fun of because I was now going to church and learning more about Jesus. I was slowly leaving my old life behind. For a few years I did try to live a double life, being one person with my christian friends and another with my non christian friends. But over the years that embarrassment has left me and now I’m known as the church going friend by all. Everyone who meets me knows just how much I love Jesus. He still has a lot of work to do within me as I continue to work on my relationship with Him.
Thanks so much Brooke P! Do you happen to read what is linked in the devotion? Thank you for your response I’m already feeling comfort. Have an amazing and blessed day!
I love this final verse in Acts 9:31- Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
I often struggle with fear and it’s fear of other things: how I appear to others, the thoughts of others, spiders, lol. But honestly, how much more peace I would have if I only feared God alone? The second half says encouraged by the Holy Spirit. I often forget this helper God has left us with.
My prayer is this today: to live in the fear (awe, reverence, honor) of the Lord and allow myself to be encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
So much for me to reflect on
So true! If Jesus can transform Saul, he can transform ANYONE
How many people did Paul’s conversion convince that maybe Jesus really is the son of God? God knew what He was doing. He picked a man who was literally murdering Christians – probably the last person on earth people would expect – to become a Christian and spread His message. Sometimes I am ashamed of my past before I became a believer, but hopefully it just shows to the world how powerful the transforming grace of Jesus really is.
Adrianne Richardson – Like Kelly said, I also just read the links at the top of the day’s study. I don’t read the links within the devotional. I have a CSB study Bible that references more scripture in the notes, and sometimes I will read more that way. I hope that helps you!
ERB I was also struck with the 3 days Saul didn’t eat. I always thought that was fasting but I’m wondering now if it was more a matter that he COULDN’T eat? Grieving over what he had done to the followers of Jesus and the possible lose of his eyesight perhaps his grief and physical suffering cased the fast.
‘Who are you, Lord?’ Even though he was one of the ‘religious elite’ he didn’t know God.
Taylor – Fight through, girl! Praying the Holy Spirit will energize you as you make the effort to “open Your Bible” every day with us. As you are seeking direction from God about your relationship it will come through being in the Word and learning GOd’s truths. Keep seeking, keep asking, and keep knocking.
Adrianne Richardson – usually just read the links at top of the day’s study, not those within the devotional. Hope that helps you
Question, does anyone also read what is linked in the recaps of the day? Sorry, I kind of asked before via Instagram but the answer but didn’t understand the response and I’m too embarrassed to ask again for clarification. So I just wanted to know if you fellow readers do? There are 11 tabs open for all of the linked or referenced verses and chapter 53 of Isaiah. I usually read all of the linked info, but I’m not gonna lie I kind of cried when I saw all of the links and references to verses. I have OCD so I’m just trying to not be triggered by not reading the links if we are supposed to. Any help would be amazing❤️
I am in complete awe of Saul’s conversion. It’s so amazing how Jesus can completely change someone. Saul was bitter, angry, and threatened the disciples, but an encounter with Jesus changed that forever. That’s why we so love Jesus, He changes anybody, and makes vessels out of anyone! That’s why I love God so much, He can change people and make them better.
It’s never too late to come to Jesus, and to be completely changed by Him. ❤️
Does anyone know what happened to churchmouse?
This story of Saul’s conversion always amazes me. It is such a great testimony to the redemptive power of Jesus. I pray that we all would share our testimonies with the world around us. Your testimony doesn’t need to be as jaw-dropping as Saul’s to make a difference.
MAURA – I was up in the mountains and got behind on my study. I still plan on meeting you tomorrow morning! Looking so forward to it. Hopeful it still will work for you.
Mari V praise God that your son is able to attend at least online and has been wise in making friends. Is there any scholarship that might be available or any loan that can be taken? Just a thought apologies if you have already thought of these options
…..drawn not to isolation, but into deeper communion with the one who has overcome the world-thank you Kara for these words of wisdom. I think our college-aged- children who for the most part just like all of us were isolated, sent home from the colleges, shelter in place,. This is a crucial age when they start questioning their faith. Though it cost my son an arm and a leg to attend a Christian college for most of his freshman year as shelter in place began, I am thankful he attended this Christian college as I feel it was a great part in building a stronger foundation in his faith . I’m still very sad because it’s so expensive he didn’t go back. It’s a beautiful college and I’m grateful he was able to experience some of it. I’m thankful he is doing well with online college at the same university. I’m thankful he has been wise in choosing his friends. For the most part they are all Christians. Please join me in prayer for this age group. let’s pray for these 20 something year olds that they will continue to grow there for you no matter what you’re confronted with. Pray for my heart as I wish I had the finances to keep sending him there.
It’s amazing the sudden, fervent change in Saul/Paul. God showed him the Truth over those 3.days that He blinded him. It was like he was blind without Christ and with Him, Paul’s life was forever changed, his purpose revealed when the scales fell off. Paul passionately pursued Christ the way he passionately pursued killing and jailing Christ’s followers. That change shows that anyone can be brought to Christ- no one is too far gone!
Rhonda, loved your commentary! Sisters have a blessed weekend.
Good morning all! It is as if I am reading Acts for the first time! Crazy how God reveals His Word to you in His time and in ways that drop the scales off your eyes. It is true what the author said today about pain often being used to grow your faith and to give you empathy to others. I was certainly living my own life (large!) with God being a Father in the sky. Funny how nothing would work out for me when I was the driver. Then from a sudden divorce and loss of everything I thought I had and wanted, I dropped to my knees and knew I had to put God in the driver’s seat of my life and follow Him. It took years of doing that of course,(you always drift back to your sin if you don’t engage the Holy Spirit to help you)!
It’s amazing to think back to my journals and how God has put together all I had prayed for. I encourage you to write down YOUR prayers. Remember everyone is on a path like we saw today, and we/they could be the Anaanais, the Barnabas, or even the Saul. God is putting the big puzzle together and I just hope I can be used whether big or small to be a valuable piece!
I found out about Saul studying under Gamaliel earlier in Acts 5 with this study from a study Bible. Study Bible noted that Gamaliels became an ally for apostles when he motives were to prevent division in the counsel and avoid inciting Romans but amazing how it all works together
Thank you for your thoughts this morning ladies. Especially you Angie. I came to our study this morning looking for wisdom to guide me in a difficult decision process. I’m serving on a jury and we will start deliberations later today. God’s mercy to Paul and Angie’s words to “see the good, the potential” are ministering to my needs. Have a wonderful day!
Something interesting I found after reading the scripture today…Saul studied under Gamaliel. We read about him in Acts 5.
@Angie Thank you for your comments! I gained so much insight from your perspective on today’s readings.
I don’t comment often, but I always read the comments. I love how the Spirit uses your voices to help me gain further understanding. My prayer is that we continue to have eyes to see and ears to hear,ever receptive to the voice of our Shepherd.
Saul, after encountering Jesus and facing fully his sins, the scales fell off, he regained his sight and immediately was BAPTIZED! Then he started proclaiming Jesus in the Synagogues! Praise GOD! || KELLY – Yes, those all stood out to me today too. || Man such strength in today’s passage. It is such a beautiful aspect of our God on display today, Ananias was able to voice his concern after the Lord’s request of him, the Lord answered back with clarification and reassurance. This gave Ananias the confidence to move quickly. He laid his hands on Saul (the murderer and persecutor of the Way) AND called him brother!! We do not have a God who is far off and unable to sympathize, we have a God who is near and listens. ““Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
“Shift in Spiritual Perspective” that is just stuck in my head! So good! The Lord will use what He needs to, to grab our attention.
Wow!!! So much in Acts 9!!! I kept seeing these little signs…
in verse 2 it says “those who belonged to the Way” ..as in the Way, the Truth, the Light!!
Then in verse 3.. “a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him” ..here’s that Light!!!
Verse 4.. “Falling to the ground, he heard a voice” ..reverence & humility. Changed forever.
Verse 6… get up and go, you will be told what to do. …faith & trust are powerful things!!
Verse 7… “The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but not seeing” …makes me think of the Israelites and how they heard God, but chose to repeatedly turn their backs on Him. May we have ears that hear, and eyes that see!!
Verse 8 “though his eyes were open, he could see nothing” …Saul needed to be led, he was completely dependent on those who were with him. Makes me ponder humility and the growth it causes.
Verse 9 “ He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.” …this is the amount of time needed for our body & brain to reset & adjust to something new. 3 days of fasting is also a very popular cleansing diet. Pretty incredible right?!! A great analogy!!
Verse 10… the name Ananias. …I was like hey, didn’t Ananias die? So I looked it up. There are 3 Ananias’ in the book of Acts. The 1st one was struck down, the 2nd one (mentioned today) despite being fearful, was sensitive and obedient to the Spirit, he got up and went..because of this God was able to use him to heal Saul!! The 3rd one (who we’ve yet to read about) is a priest. Pretty COOL of God to redeem this name!! Such an awesome example of how He redeems us!!!
Verse 18 “At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight.” ..made me think of Proverbs 20:12 “Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the LORD.”
Acts 9:20-28 …LOVE how Saul IMMEDIATELY gets out there and starts preaching the Messiah!!! He has NO desire for his old life & ways of thinking. He is COMPLETELY CHANGED & people notice this!! Also LOVE how Barnabas (who would be Saul’s missionary buddy) stood up for Saul to the disciples. SO COOL how God works!!!!
SOOO many good things in this chapter!!! I feel like I could talk about it for hours!!
When I see what came out of suffering and surrender in Paul’s life it gives me more clarity about what is needed in certain areas of my own life.
I can hardly bear to read of Stephen’s martyrdom…..and then today is the blockbuster of Paul’s conversion!
Father that I can always be open to The Holy Spirit and do Your will. In Jesus name, Amen
I hope I behave like Ananias. When called, he first questioned, but ultimately followed God’s will and played a part in one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the Church.
ANGIE – so much good stuff in your comments! Thanks for sharing. All over the place? Totally how my mind works, so I appreciated all the little nuggets.
KELLY – yes! The different men and their stories in this passage are so fascinating. I was struck by Ananias’ courage! What if he had stayed home in fear or doubted the Holy Spirit? May I go forward in the nudging of the Spirit. Who knows what God is changing through my yeses.
The last quote of today’s devotion is SO good. And I loved your comment @Angie so thank you!
I’m so glad I joined with you all today. It’s becoming more challenging to wake up early enough before work to do my devotions and I’m not sure why. I feel off when I don’t start my day in the Word, so this week has been challenging for me that I’ve missed some days. Also can you please continue to pray for discernment about my new relationship? Everything seemed so great at the beginning and it felt like it was God’s will, but now I’m not so sure. Something doesn’t feel right in my heart so I’ve been praying a lot about it and I would appreciate your prayers too <3
Life doesn’t always go as we think it will….don’t I know it for sure. Look at Saul and how God totally turned his life in another direction. God always has a plan way better than what we have. Just as God used Saul to spread the gospel, I pray he uses each and everyone of us SRT ladies.
“Empowered by the Holy Spirit, may we submit our will to His in all circumstances, drawn not to isolation, but into deeper communion with the one who has overcome the world.” AMEN!
In Bible Study Fellowship we were reading about the temptation of Jesus. One of the ladies shared that, “Jesus trusted that His Father, God, had a purpose for the temptation.”
I have a choice in both, temptations and suffering to trust God, or not. Do I really believe He will use “all things for good,” to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose? My dad would have said, “It’s where the rubber meets the road.” What we do, how we act, shows what we believe and trust.”
Suffering has had life-changing results in my life whether in a heart issue at the age of 30, a head-on collision in May, or the day-to-day little grumblings/crumblings in life. Our former pastor used to say, “Suffering will either make you bitter or better.”
In the sermon Sunday, Pastor Jim was talking about Paul at the end of his life and how he asked for certain friends to make the trip to be near him. One that he asked for was Mark. Interestingly, earlier in Mark and Paul’s experiences together, when hardship came, Mark gave up and fled causing Paul to not want to have anything more to do with him. However, a man named Barnabas took Mark under his wing. Not only did that difficult situation change in Paul’s life (him asking for Mark at the end), but Barnabas is listed in today’s text also as the one who originally accepted Saul/Paul, bringing him in.
My take-aways?
Be like Jesus, trusting the Father, God, in the temptations and sufferings with my heart, mind, and actions (whole self and soul).
Remember and trust that like in Paul’s life, God can heal relationships and use things for good. My part? Trust and obey.
Be a Barnabas, every day. See the good, the potential, a mere minuscule of what our Creator and Father, God, sees in each one – and treat others as He would.
Sorry if this seems all-over-the-place to you. In my mind…each step led to the next. May the Holy Spirit cover these words and use them for His purpose and glorify God.
Amen.
“Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.” What an image! The drive to purge the Jesus followers from the world was Saul’s breath-it was what kept him alive, like air in his lungs.
Then there’s Ananias. The role of this man in God’s plan for Saul is hereoic. Once Ananias had clarification, he embraced his mission and went to the church’s enemy and called him “brother”
Another hero is Barnabas. We read earlier of this man reputation and he was willing to put that on the line to defend Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem. He extended the love of God to Saul when others doubted his change of heart.
God redirected Saul’s passionate persuit from working against Him to working for Him. Nothing is impossible for our God!
Saul is the focus of the passage, but look at Cornelius. His faith and trust in God is amazing! Can you imagine being told to do what God asked him todo? Cornelius didn’t run in the other or dismiss what he heard God say as a misunderstanding. He obeyed. Truly a servant of God.