The book of Acts states, “…Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of Jesus. He … requested letters … , so that … he could bring them as prisoners … As Saul drew near to Damascus…suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “WHO ARE YOU, LORD?” Saul asked. “I AM JESUS, whom you are persecuting,” Jesus replied—Now get up … and you will be told what you must do.” …The Lord said. “This man (Saul) is My chosen instrument….” —Acts 9:1-22

Saul (later named Paul) saw and heard the resurrected Jesus speaking through a blinding light—the experience is often called, “Paul’s Damascus Road experience.” It is a central story in the origins of the Early Church.

Remarkably, Saul, this highly educated enemy of Jesus and His followers reversed his previous conviction’s after meeting Jesus on the Damascus Road. He became a missionary and church planter for the people he had sought to have imprisoned and put to death. Paul wrote 48% of the 2nd Testament of the Bible.

(Paul’s experience can also be found in Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:1-23.)