Conversion

“… As I was on my way, approaching Damascus at about noon, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me.” (1) The account of Paul’s Damascus experience appears three times in the Acts of the Apostles: (a) Acts 9:1-19 (written in third person), (b) Acts 22:6-16 (written in first person), (c) Acts 26:12-18 (written in first person). (2) Paul was enveloped by a brilliant light from heaven, which signifies the Shekinah Glory(the light of God’s glory).

“And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’” (1) Paul fell to the ground or rather he prostrated himself. For a Jew, bowing down in the presence of God’s glory was a natural response. (2) He then heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (a) Those around Paul heard the sound but could not distinguish the voice. (b) When Paul asked, “Who are You, Lord?” the reply came, “I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.” (c) The term “Nazarene” appears only in this account of Paul’s conversion among the three recorded. Jesus Himself used this despised name. (d) When Christians are persecuted, it is the Lord Jesus Himself who is being persecuted.

“And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything that has been appointed for you to do.’” (1) “What shall I do, Lord,” is a natural question for a devout Jew to ask. At this moment, Paul experienced his conversion. (2) The Lord commanded Paul, “Go on into Damascus.” The purpose of his journey to Damascus was now the exact opposite of what he had originally intended. (3) Paul had been blinded by the Shekinah Glory. (a) In that state, he was led by the hand into Damascus. (b) Eventually, he would regain his physical sight, symbolizing his liberation from spiritual blindness.

What Paul was to accomplish in Damascus had already been determined by God. This principle applies to our lives as well. God has looked upon us, even when we were opposed to Him, and has guided us to this point. Therefore, let us be determined to walk even more faithfully with Him.