This verse is part of the passage telling of the salvation of Saul (eventually known as Paul – see Acts 13v9). He also recounts the story in his own words in Acts chapter 22, including Acts 22v16 {76}. Saul’s conversion experience included probably the most dramatic about-face seen in the Bible. His repentance was virtually instantaneous, almost like switching on a light will instantly dispel darkness.

Saul had been on his way to Damascus with authority from the high priest to capture and bring back to Jerusalem in chains any “disciples of the Lord” that he could find (v1-2). As he was almost to Damascus, “suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven” (v3). He had a very special revelation from heaven, firstly seeing the light of the glory of God, and secondly hearing His voice and having a conversation.

Saul’s conversation was quite definitely initiated by the Lord – after the appearance of the light from heaven, Saul heard a voice say “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (v4) Straight away he knew that he was talking to the Lord, but still had to ask “Who art thou, Lord?” (v5). The Lord immediately answered his confusion, by saying “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” (v5) So we can see that he was having a personal experience of and conversation with Jesus – the one that was from Nazareth (Acts 22v8), the one he had so far been persecuting. Jesus had already been trying to lead Saul in the right direction – prickly goads were used to make animals move in the correct direction – and he knew how hard it had been for Saul to keep heading off in the opposite direction. Jesus is intimately involved in our lives, even before we give our lives to Him, and tries to lead us in the correct direction. The Holy Spirit, also called the “Spirit of Truth” by Jesus, is there to “guide you into all truth” (John 16v13) – my prayer is for each reader that this would become true in their lives.

Straight away, Saul was “trembling and astonished” (v6) – here he had been happily thinking that he was serving God, with authority from the High Priest no less, when he finds out that he had actually been working against God. The blessings he had been expecting from God due to his fervent work had in fact been turning into a curse. The very one that he didn’t want people to believe in or worship was now the one he had identified as the Lord, and had a heavenly vision of and conversation with. He had good reason to be astonished – his assumptions and pre-conceptions about God had just been overturned in the most spectacular way. No doubt the Lord will have others even today that are fervent and think that they are serving Him when they are actually working against Him – let us pray that He will reveal Himself to them very soon, and that they will likewise respond in the correct manner – a sincere repentance and even greater fervency for the truth than for the previous error.

Jesus then told Saul to go into the city of Damascus as planned, but wait there to find out what he should do (v6). He then got up and realised that he was blind (v8) so that those with him had to lead him by the hand. It is interesting to note that those with Saul heard the voice but didn’t see the vision (v7) – this happens several times in scripture, where some present but not all can discern the totality of a heavenly manifestation – the baptism of Jesus was a prime example, where John the Baptist had been the only witness of the dove descending from heaven and resting on Jesus (John 1v32). For another example of this, see also Daniel 10v7.

When Saul arrived at Damascus, he fasted, and didn’t eat or drink for three days. In the mean time, Jesus also appeared in a vision to a disciple named Ananias, and gave him specific instructions of which house to go to and who to ask for (v11). Saul had already been shown in a vision to expect Ananias to come, and to receive back his sight by the laying on of hands (v12). Ananias was reluctant to go, as he knew that Saul had come to Damascus to persecute the church (v13-14). But the Lord encouraged him by replying “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (v15). Clearly here we can see that the name of the Lord – ie Jesus – is very important as the introduction and first part of the message that Paul has from the Lord for the world. Paul was to wear, carry and take the name of Jesus before men ‘without fear or favour’. Even when we are in our sinful state, Jesus will choose us to be a witness of Him, and receive all of the blessings of salvation that He has in store for us (Romans 5v8). If we are willing He cleans us up ready for His service (Romans 5v9), and gives us His Holy Spirit for power to overcome evil.

Ananias said to Saul that would lay hands on him. His reasons were two-fold – firstly that he would receive back his sight, and secondly that he would receive the Holy Spirit (v17). Saul received his sight immediately, and then was baptised. Clearly the receiving of the Holy Spirit was closely allied to the water baptism in the minds of the early believers.

As already mentioned, Saul/Paul retells the story of his conversion in his own words in Acts 22v16 {76}, where some further details are added to the picture we have from this passage – these further details are discussed in the later section.

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