The Way
The Light on the Damascus Road
The name a persecutor heard
Story
Saul was still breathing out threats and murder against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and got letters for the synagogues in Damascus. If he found anyone who belonged to the Way of Jesus, man or woman, he would tie them up and bring them back to Jerusalem. So Saul set out on the long road to Damascus.
As he came near Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Saul fell to the ground. A voice said to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
The Lord said, “Get up and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do.” The men traveling with him heard the sound but saw no one, and they stood there speechless. Saul got up and opened his eyes, but he could see nothing. They led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days Saul could not see, and he did not eat or drink.
Walk this scene on the map →Words of the Lord and of Paul
Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?
Who are you, Lord?
I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Get up and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Acts 9:1–9
Background
Damascus is an ancient city more than two hundred kilometers northeast of Jerusalem. Paul later told this story twice more. He said it happened at midday, and that the light was brighter than the sun.
Pause and Reflect
Among the things I am sure are right, is there anything that goes against the Lord's will?