But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Introduction
Ever heard of a “come to Jesus” moment? Saul’s story may be the most famous of all. With the blood of early Christians on his hands, and on his way to capture more victims of his religious rage, Saul meets the living God on a dusty desert road in Syria and is truly blinded by the light.
The scene opens amid a backdrop of tremendous persecution against the church, resulting in the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria, and the ensuing spread of the gospel of Jesus. The opening line of the text reads “But Saul, still . . .”
Who is this Saul? Saul was a native of Tarsus, a tentmaker by trade, a citizen of Rome, of remarkable Jewish lineage as a member of the strictest religious sect called the Pharisees, boasting an impeccable adherence to the Jewish law. He received an excellent education under the tutelage of the great philosopher, Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) and was well acquainted with Greek philosophy and literature (Phil. 3:4–6).
As we read the words “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder,” we are catapulted back to the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr in the New Testament church, where Saul was present at and approved of Stephen’s execution (Acts 7:58; 8:1–3). Even as Stephen was being laid to rest, Saul was “ravaging the church” by entering house after house and “dragging off men and women to prison.”
In The Christian Faith, Michael Horton states, “Warfare is discovered especially whenever the progress of the gospel most threatens the kingdom of Satan,” and in the midst of such warfare we find Saul of Tarsus, an instrumental agent in the persecution of the early church. Saul was a man full of fiery passion, steeped in religion and on a misguided mission to annihilate the church of Jesus.
Observation
- In verses 1 and 2, what was Saul’s express intent and desire?
- Describe what happened as Saul “went on his way” in verses 3–6. Read Acts 26:13–15 for this account in his own words.
- What did the voice ask Saul? How did the voice identify itself? What instructions were given to Saul?
- Describe the encounter from the perspective of Saul’s traveling companions.
- What was the physical result of Saul’s encounter with Jesus?
- What did Saul do when he arrived in Damascus?
Interpretation
What a plot twist! The narrative began with Saul of Tarsus, a powerful religious authority marching toward Damascus on a mission to arrest followers of Jesus. It ends with Saul being led helplessly and humbly to Damascus in obedience to Jesus to await further instructions. The passage beautifully closes with Saul blind but truly seeing for the first time, fasting, and waiting on the Lord.
- What does the question “Why are you persecuting me?” reveal about Jesus’ relationship with the church? Who did Saul think he was attacking? What was the truth?
- What one pivotal point turned Saul from Jesus’ persecutor to his follower? Read 1 Corinthians 9:1, 15:8; Galatians 1:16; Acts 9:27, 22:14, and 26:16.
- Read Galatians 1:11–17. According to verse 15, when did God choose Saul? Who initiates salvation? What was Saul’s primary calling? (See Ephesians 2:8–10.)
- Read Matthew 28:19. What were Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples, and how was Saul instrumental in carrying out those instructions both before and after conversion? (See Acts 8:1 and 26:16.)
Application
- Saul’s identity was shaped and defined by his Jewish ancestry, religious beliefs, education, and accomplishments as a Pharisee. Where do you find your identity? What names, roles, titles, or accomplishments define you?
- Share a time when God allowed you to be physically dependent on him in order to reveal himself more fully to you. How did you respond? What was the result?
- Saul’s intense desire to destroy the church was driving him further away from God and deeper into sin. What intense desires and passions seem to control you? How are your desires, passions, or obsessions affecting your relationship with Jesus?
- Have you given up praying for someone to come to salvation because they seem to be a hopeless case? Read 1 Timothy 1:12–17 and reflect on Saul’s situation by comparison. Pray as a group for this person’s salvation.
- Have you ever thought that your sins were too great for God’s grace and forgiveness? Read 1 Timothy 1:13–16. Be encouraged through the life of Saul, given as an example to us, that we can never out-sin God’s grace. (See Ephesians 1:7.)
For further study
“God’s Sovereignty, Paul’s Conversion” by John Piper
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
