Paul’s Dramatic Conversion — Acts 9:1-9 Daily Word

Saul was a man who persecuted the church with great zeal and aggression.

In particular, Saul played a leading role in the stoning of Stephen at his martyrdom (7:58), and after Stephen’s death he became a fierce persecutor who hunted down believers hiding in Jerusalem and ravaged the church. (8:3) Even as we come to chapter 9, Saul is still portrayed as a man full of threats and murderous rage¹ἐμπνέων (empneōn): to breathe out, to exhale against the disciples of the Lord.

Saul went to the high priest Caiaphas and requested official letters that would authorize him to arrest Christians. Although the authority of the Sanhedrin was only effective within the region of Judea, the high priest nevertheless issued the letters so that the Jewish synagogues in Damascus would cooperate with Saul.

Armed with these letters, Saul intended to bind and bring back. Notably, this term “the Way” is a distinctive expression unique to the book of Acts.²19:9; 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22

In the Old Testament, the word “way” was used symbolically to refer to a manner of life, and Luke similarly called the early church believers “those belonging to the Way,” describing their distinctive way of living. This title was most likely used with the remembrance of [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6, ESV), where Jesus declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”

Beginning in verse 3, the passage turns to the Damascus road revelation that came upon Saul.

The book of Acts recounts Saul’s Damascus road experience three times in total. The accounts in chapters 22 and 26 are told in Saul’s own words as he describes the event himself, while the account here in chapter 9 is Luke’s own narration of what took place.

In verse 3, as Saul was approaching Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. ‘Light’ in the Old Testament symbolizes the presence of God³Ps 4:6; 36:9; Isa 2:5; 60:19 and a ‘voice accompanied by light’ is a phenomenon that occurs when God manifests Himself.⁴Exod 3:4; 19:16-20

Jesus called Saul by name twice in succession. [4] And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4, ESV) By referring to Saul’s persecution of the church as persecution of Himself, Jesus identified Himself with the church. In the Old Testament, when God called someone, the typical response was “Here I am,” but in verse 5, Saul instead asks, “Who are you, Lord?” Since “Lord” among Jewish people referred to God, we can see that Saul was consciously directing his question to God.

Jesus then introduces Himself, saying, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” He then gives this command: Verse 6, “Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Meanwhile, the men who were traveling with Saul witnessed this event, testifying that they heard the voice but saw no one.

Luke draws a distinction between Saul and his companions.

When Saul received the word of the Lord, he had fallen to the ground (v. 4), while his companions remained standing. Saul both saw the light and heard the voice, but his companions only heard the voice. Notably, the word ‘seeing’ as used by Luke carries the meaning of understanding what God is doing or perceiving the significance of an event.⁵Life Application, Acts, p. 237. Therefore, those who saw nothing had no understanding whatsoever of what Saul was experiencing, and were completely unaware that it was an event marked by the very presence of God.

In verse 8, we read that Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were open, he could see nothing. He was led by the hand into Damascus. Like Samson in the book of Judges, he had been rendered physically helpless. (Judg 16:21) The reason God brought him to a state where he could see nothing was a consequence of his opposition and resistance to God’s plan. By taking away his sight, God was allowing him to experience a kind of spiritual death — and at the same time, placing him in an environment where he had no choice but to fix his thoughts on God alone.

For three days, Saul neither ate nor drank. To continue without food or water would lead to death. Yet during that time, what sustained Saul was the bread of God. A person who has been illuminated by the light of heaven and who feeds on the Word of God no longer lives by his own strength — he is led by God. He depends on God completely. And when that happens, God himself becomes the Lord of that person’s life. For Saul, this was the moment he experienced a change of masters — a change of the one who owned his life.

We too must pause and examine ourselves: are we still living as though we are the masters of our own lives? God desires to be the Lord of our lives. Just as He showed grace to Saul, He longs to shine the light of heaven upon us — His believing people — and to guide us on our way. May we hold on to the good and gracious hand of the Lord today, and may we all press forward in faith.