3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated [c]under Gamaliel, [d]strictly according to the Law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, 5 as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders [e]can testify. From them I also received letters to the brothers, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem [f]as prisoners to be punished.
6 “But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus at about noon, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7 and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’
9 And those who were with me saw the light, but did not [g]understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11 But since I could not see because of the [h]brightness of that light, I came into Damascus being led by the hand by those who were with me.
The 3rd missionary journey is over. Paul and his team are back now in Jerusalem sharing what God has done among the Gentiles. In Tyre and Caesarea, people with the gift of prophecy said Paul will be persecuted in Jerusalem. He’s just been accused of religious crimes and arrested by the Roman officer to stop the riot and protect Paul. Now Paul speaks to the crowd.
Identity as a Jew
He starts by confirming his Jewish identity. Not just being Jew, but a “Hebrew of Hebrews” as he refers to himself in Philippians 3:5. And even beyond that, he “persecuted this Way to the death” (v4). Paul is seeking to have his Jewish audience identify with him as a zealous Jew, follower of the Law of Moses. He points to the High Priest for testimony of these facts.
Conversion experience
With this foundation laid, Paul now moves onto his conversion experience. We’ve studied this previously in Acts 9:1-9. Why did he share this? He’s preaching the gospel to win souls. “It is as if Paul said: ‘I was just like you all, until I had an encounter with Jesus. Jesus met me and my life was dramatically changed.’” (enduringword.com)
RЯeflection
What is your conversion experience? Are you telling others?
Do you have a conversion experience? Have you repented of your sins and believe in Jesus as Savior? If not, click here.
