How Saul became the Apostle Paul. Saul was a Jewish man who was a zealous persecutor of Christians. He was a Pharisee and was determined to stamp out Christianity. He was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians when he was struck by a blinding light from heaven. He heard a voice from heaven asking him why he was persecuting Him. Saul was then filled with the Holy Spirit and he was baptized. The story of Saul’s conversion is found in the Holy Bible in the book of Acts.
Acts 9:1-18
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. So, they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
This is how Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul. The conversion of Saul to Christianity changed the course of history and had a profound impact on the development of Christianity. His writings and missionary work helped to spread the message of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and provided a foundation for Christian theology and doctrine. His conversion also helped to bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles and laid the foundation for the unity of the church.
If God can use a zealous persecutor of Christians as a cornerstone for the development of Christianity just think what He can do in your life! If you have not yet accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I urge you to consider how important your life’s work can be to the whole world and your own life through salvation which comes by simply accepting God’s plan and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.