The Persecutor

Sees A Great Light

SAUL was seething with rage at Jesus' followers. Not content with the persecution already meted out to them in Jerusalem, including the stoning of Stephen, he now sought to extend the repression. "Still breathing threat and murder against the disciples [Saul] went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, in order that he might bring bound to Jerusalem any whom he found who belonged to The Way, both men and women." - Acts 9:1, 2.

As Saul walked toward Damascus, he must have been comtemplating how he could carry out his mandate most effectively. The authority granted him by the high priest would undoubtedly secure cooperation from the leaders of the large Jewish community in that city. Saul would seek their help.

Saul's excitement must have been mounting as he neared his destination. The journey from Jerusalem to Damascus -a seven-or eight-day walk of some 140 miles-had been taxing. Suddenly about midday, a light brighter than the sun flashed around Saul, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice say to him in Hebrew: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? To keep kicking against the goads makes it hard for you." "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom your are persecuting," came the reply. "Nevertheless, rise and stand on your feet. For to this end I have made myself visible to you, in order to choose you as an attendant and a witness both of things you have seen and things I shall make you see respecting me, while I deliver you from this people and from the nations, to whom I am sending you." "What shall I do Lord, asked Saul?" "Rise, go your way into Damascus and there you will be told about it is appointed for you to do." -Acts 9:3-6; 22:6-10; 26:13-17.

Those traveling with Saul heard a voice, but they did not see the speaker, or understand what he said. Because of the brilliance of the light, when Saul arose he could not see and had to be led by the hand. "For three days he did not see anything, and he neither ate nor drank." -Acts 9:7-9; 22:11.

Next time: The Persecutor-Three Days Of Meditation

Watchtower, 2000