6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. (Acts 22:6-11 KJV)
Paul’s conversion on the way to Damascus
After the apostle described what he was like before his conversion, he goes on in these and the following verses to explain how his conversion happened. While he was traveling to Damascus to carry out his plan to persecute Christians, suddenly, a great light from heaven shone around him (Acts 22:6), greater than the brightness of the sun, and it knocked him to the ground (Acts 22:7). This happened in the open road, at noon, in view of others, which confirmed that it was no trick. He fell to the ground and heard these clearly spoken words: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Notice how Christ identifies opposition to His gospel and persecution of His followers as being directed against Himself. Attacking Christ’s people is attacking Christ, because it’s against His friends, His cause, and His work. Just as honor shown to the Head benefits the members, so the harm done to the members is felt by the Head. While Jesus was on earth, He didn’t say to His captors, “Why are you binding me? Why are you hitting me? Why are you whipping and crucifying me?” But now, when His followers suffer, He cries out from heaven, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Lord, you care more about your spiritual body—the Church—than you did about your physical body. You’re more sensitive to your people’s suffering than your own.
Next, notice how eager Paul was to understand and obey the will of God. He asked, “Who are you, Lord? And what do you want me to do?” It’s easier to find fire without heat than to find a true convert without active, obedient grace.
Also, notice Christ’s reply to Paul’s question: “Who are you, Lord?” Paul asked. Christ answered, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.”
Pay attention to the name Jesus uses—“Jesus of Nazareth.” Though that name was despised by many, Christ willingly claimed it from heaven. He didn’t say, “I am Jesus, the Son of God,” or “I am Jesus, heir of the world and Lord of all.” Instead, He said, “I am Jesus of Nazareth.” He took pride in the very title His enemies used to mock Him, teaching us not to be ashamed of His name, even when others insult us for it.
Finally, consider the witnesses to Paul’s conversion. The men who were with him saw the light but didn’t hear the voice. It’s very likely Paul had a sizable group of officers with him to arrest both men and women who followed Christ and bring them to Jerusalem in chains. These companions saw the light and heard a loud sound—perhaps like thunder—but they didn’t hear Christ’s clear and powerful voice, which spoke so directly and convincingly to Paul’s soul.
Since faith comes by hearing, it was Paul alone who was directly converted; the others did not. Perhaps, they later believed too. Lord, how many today sit under the preaching of the gospel and, like Paul’s companions, hear only a vague noise or empty sound! They don’t hear the powerful, transforming voice of Christ speaking to their hearts—and so they remain trapped in unbelief.
Paul’s temporary blindness was proof of the overwhelming power of the light (Acts 22:11). It wasn’t darkness that blinded him, as with the Egyptians or unbelieving Jews, but light—just as some are momentarily confused before being enlightened. His companions, though they saw the light, weren’t struck blind because it didn’t hit them as directly. Paul had to be led into the city by hand.