Day 259 - From Zealot to Apostle: The Story of Paul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus

Updated: Jan 21

The miracle Story of Paul's conversion.

And it came about that while I was on my journey, coming near to Damascus, about the middle of the day, suddenly I saw a great light from heaven shining round me.

And when I went down on the earth, a voice came to my ears saying to me, Saul, Saul, why are you attacking me so cruelly?

And I, answering, said, Who are you; Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are attacking.

And those who were with me saw the light, but the voice of him who was talking to me came not to their ears.

And I said, What have I to do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, Get up, and go into Damascus; and it will be made clear to you what you have to do.

And because I was unable to see because of the glory of that light, those who were with me took me by the hand, and so I came to Damascus.

And one Ananias, a God-fearing man, who kept the law, and of whom all the Jews in that place had a high opinion,

Came to my side and said, Brother Saul, let your eyes be open. And in that very hour I was able to see him.

And he said, You have been marked out by the God of our fathers to have knowledge of his purpose, and to see the Upright One and to give ear to the words of his mouth.

For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and of what has come to your ears. (Acts 22:6-15 Bible in Basic English (BBE))

Paul, originally known as Saul, was a Roman citizen and a Jew who was a zealot against those who believed in Jesus Christ. Until he encountered Jesus the Nazorean on the road to Damascus, all was changed when the light of Christ touched him. The purity and splendor of Jesus Christ initially blinded him. At that moment, Christ became very real, and Saul became a believer, changing from persecutor to evangelist disciple who risked his life to bring others to the Lord and Jesus Christ. He became Paul, still the same person but transformed in belief and action.

Prayer:

Father, like Jesus did for Paul, help me find my way. The story of Paul's conversion is both a miracle and awe-inspiring. Please transform whatever about me is not as you want. Please help me return to or stay on the path you established for me before I was born. Help my journey progress, and along the way, let me seek those you call me to lead. Help me recognize my partners on this journey and the strangers we will meet and serve. Please help us keep our hearts and minds full of you and your will. Through you, let us shine with Jesus Christ's light and lead the lost to redemption for you. Your wonder fills my mind with possibility, and I am thankful. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen