MPV Commentary

Saul of Tarsus was a man consumed by his zeal for God, but it was a zeal that had turned into a destructive force in the lives of others. He was breathing threats and slaughter against the followers of Jesus, determined to eliminate them from existence.

But then something remarkable happened. Saul encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus, an encounter that would change the course of his life forever. The Lord appeared to him in a blinding light, striking him to the ground and asking him why he was persecuting Him. This was not just a personal attack; it was a divine intervention that would set Saul on a new path.

Saul's encounter with Jesus left him blind for three days, unable to see or eat. During this time, he must have been struggling with the weight of his past actions and the realization of who Jesus truly was. It's likely that he began to understand the depth of God's love and the error of his ways.

Meanwhile, a disciple named Ananias had received a vision from the Lord, instructing him to go to Saul and restore his sight. Ananias was hesitant at first, knowing about Saul's reputation as a persecutor of Christians. But the Lord reassured him that Saul was now a chosen vessel for Him, destined to suffer greatly for His name.

Ananias went to Saul, laid hands on him, and prayed for his restoration. As soon as he did, scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He was then baptized by Ananias, marking the beginning of his new life in Christ.

Saul spent some time with the disciples at Damascus, learning about Jesus and His teachings. He became a passionate preacher, proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. But not everyone was pleased with Saul's newfound faith. The Jews took counsel to kill him, and he had to be smuggled out of the city by night through a window in the wall.

This period of Saul's life is often overlooked, but it's essential for understanding his transformation from persecutor to preacher. He went into Arabia for an unknown period, possibly to regroup and reflect on his new faith. When he returned to Damascus, he resumed his ministry, but this time with a newfound sense of purpose and danger.

The Jews were watching the gates day and night, waiting for Saul to emerge so they could kill him. The governor under King Aretas had even stationed a garrison in the city to apprehend him. It was a perilous time for Saul, but he remained committed to his calling as a preacher of Jesus Christ.

The disciples, aware of the danger, took matters into their own hands and let Saul down through a window at night, saving him from certain death. This event marked the beginning of Saul's journey as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, who would go on to spread the message of Jesus to the world.