Transformed by the Light

Shawn Foster

Central Truth

This encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus completely redefined who Paul was. The purpose of his journey changed from silencing Christians to speaking out in support of them. Today, we are able to encounter Christ daily as He repurposes us into His ambassadors.

But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel."

The Conversion of Saul

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

In a culture that loves drama, today's Scripture has a plethora. The main characters include Paul (the Greek name for Saul) who lived according to the strictest sect of the Jewish religion. He was a Roman citizen, son of a Pharisee, and a Pharisee himself. Until this event occurred, he opposed the name of Jesus in every way possible. He even watched and approved of Stephen being stoned (Acts 8:1). His zeal and discipline were unmatched, frightening to any Christian in his path.

On Paul's way to Damascus, Jesus suddenly appeared and struck him blind, instructing him to go to the city for his assignment. Paul was led by hand into Damascus where he prayed and fasted. Interestingly, his sight was not restored until a brother named Ananias also encountered the Lord and faithfully obeyed His call.

Paul's conversion was so dramatic that sometimes we forget Ananias, a sub-hero in the story. Consider the faith it took to obediently go to a guy who breathed murderous threats. Ananias questioned the Lord only once, then obeyed, exemplifying courageous leadership. I might have asked, "Who me, Lord?" a half-dozen times.

Paul's conversion was supernatural and undeniable, but don't feel underutilized if yours was less dramatic. God is still writing His story through His people. We don't need to be blinded to have a robust prayer life; we need to be coachable, willing to listen, and quick to respond.

For Paul, the scales on his eyes fell off immediately, but for others, it may take time. I'm sure I still have blind spots—scales on my eyes—that need to fall off. I'm grateful for faithful brothers and sisters who help me see clearly. Acts 9:19 says Paul spent several days with the disciples before he began to preach in the synagogues. Sounds like fueling up to me. Treasure life in community like Paul by devoting daily, pursuing relationally, counseling biblically, living authentically, admonishing faithfully, and engaging missionally—and others will be astonished that God uses even the weakest of us as instruments to advance His kingdom.

1. What are a few examples of godliness that you can follow from this passage?

2. What encourages you to obey even when it appears frightening?

3. How do you see the world differently after encountering Jesus?

4. Whom can you bring to Him this week?