The Conversion of Saul

Saul was born in Tarsus, a Roman city, in the area that we now call Turkey (Acts 21:39).

During the Roman Empire, Tarsus was a leading city whose economy was based on agriculture. It was a leading center for the production of linen. It was also one of the leading centers of education, in the same league as Alexandria and Athens. The Jews in this city began receiving Roman citizenship as far back as 67 B.C.

At some point, when he was young, Saul was sent to Jerusalem to study (Acts 22:3). He was a strong Jew with the best educational background (Philippians 3:4-6). Thus, it is not surprising that Saul was strongly opposed to Christianity (Acts 22:4-5). He would have seen it as a threat to Judaism. Saul was as against Christianity as a person could get (Acts 9:1-2).

Saul put his beliefs into action. He did more than just jail followers of Christ, he punished them, tried to force them to blaspheme God, and even chased them to other cities (Acts 26:9-11). He was not a “nice guy.” But notice that Saul was doing what he strongly believed was right.

While traveling to Damascus, with papers authorizing the arrests of more Christians, Saul was blinded by a bright light around noon time. The light was far brighter than the noonday sun (Acts 26:12-13). Those traveling with him saw the light, but nothing else (Acts 22:9). Then a voice spoke to Saul in Hebrew (Acts 26:14). Those with Saul, heard the voice (Acts 9:7) but they did not understand what was said (Acts 22:9).

Saul did not recognize who was speaking to him, but he addressed the being a “lord” (Acts 9:4-5). The being then declares that he is Jesus (Acts 22:8) – the very one whom Saul was dedicated to debunking! What is particularly interesting is that Saul doesn’t deny Jesus’ claim. He continues to call him “Lord” (Acts 22:10). Jesus then reveals the purpose He has set out for Saul.

“But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:16-18).

At the conclusion of his vision, Saul was left blind and those with him led him into Damascus (Acts 9:8-9). He remained blind for three days. For three days he refused to eat or drink, so upsetting was the impact of what he had learned. Saul’s entire world, his very foundation, was turned upside down.
A prophet, named Ananias, was called to teach Saul (Acts 9:10-12) but Ananias did not want to go. “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name” (Acts 9:13-14). However, the Lord insisted. “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake” (Acts 9:15-16).

At Ananias’ command, Saul’s sight was restored to him (Acts 22:12-13). He described it as scales falling away from his eyes (Acts 9:17-18). At the same time, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). Ananias then instructed Saul in his future duties, which confirmed what Saul was told directly by Jesus (Acts 22:14-15). Ananias then commands Saul to arise and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).
Saul’s conversion can teach us a lot about what it takes to become a Christian, but at the moment I have a question for you: “When was Saul saved?”

• Was it when he had a religious experience?
• Was it when he acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord?
• Was it when Jesus gave him direction for his life?
• Was it when Saul spent three days fasting and praying to God?
• Was it when Ananias healed him of his blindness?
• Was it when Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit?
• Or was it when Saul washed his sins away in baptism?

You see if it was prior to his baptism, then Ananias lied when he stated that Saul had sins that needed to be washed away!

• Those who teach that all you need to do is believe to be saved are wrong!
• Those who teach you to just dedicate your life to Christ are wrong!
• Those who teach that God must intervene in your life are wrong!
• Those who teach that miraculous healing will save you are wrong!

Salvation comes with obedience to God’s word when you are baptized to remove your sins (I Peter 3:21).