Parent and Family Background
As the apostles proclaimed the good news of the Way of Jesus, some religious leaders in Jerusalem began to persecute them. Saul of Tarsus was one of the fiercest persecutors. In this story, while traveling on the road to Damascus, Saul hears the voice of Jesus asking him why he is persecuting the Christians. Then Saul is blinded by a great light. When Saul reaches Damascus, Ananias tells Saul that Jesus is calling him to be one of his followers. Saul is baptized and he is filed with the Holy Spirit. Saul becomes an apostle and is known as Paul.
Saul
Acts 9:1-18
In those days, Saul was persecuting Christians. He went to Damascus looking for people who believed in Jesus. On his journey, a light suddenly flashed from the sky. Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice.
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Saul asked, “Who are you, sir?”
The voice said, “I am Jesus. Now get up and go into the city. There you will be told what you must do.”
The men who were traveling with Saul stood speechless. They too heard a voice, but could see no one.
Saul got up off the ground. But, when he opened his eyes, he could not see. So the men led him by the hand to Damascus. For three days, Saul could not see. He did not eat or drink.
There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to Ananias in a dream, “Go to Judas’ house and find a man named Saul. He has been praying there. In a dream, Saul saw a man named Ananias lay hands on him so that he could see.”
Ananias said to the Lord, “But Lord, I have heard all the evil things this man has done to your people.”
The Lord replied, “Go. I have chosen this man to be my instrument. He will bring my name to the Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.”
Ananias went to Judas’ house. There he laid hands on Paul. He said, “Saul, my brother, Jesus has sent me to you. Now you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately, things like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see. He got up and was baptized.
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