Acts 9:1-19

But meanwhile Saul was making violent threats against the disciples of the Lord, wanting to kill them. He went to the high priest and asked for letters of authorization to take with him to the synagogues in Damascus, giving him permission to arrest any believers in the Way that he found, men or women, and bring them back to Jerusalem as prisoners. As Saul approached Damascus, suddenly he was surrounded by a light that blazed down from heaven. He fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, the one you're persecuting,” he replied. “Get up, go on into the city, and you'll be told what to do.” The men who were traveling with Saul stood there speechless. They heard the voice speaking, but they didn't see anyone. Saul got to his feet, and when he opened his eyes, he couldn't see anything. His companions took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. For three days he couldn't see, and he didn't eat or drink anything. A follower of Jesus called Ananias lived in Damascus, and the Lord spoke to him in a vision. “Ananias!” he called. “I'm here, Lord,” Ananias responded. “Get up, and go to Straight Street,” the Lord told him. “Ask at Judas' house for someone called Saul, from Tarsus. He's praying. He's seen in vision a man called Ananias come and place his hands on him so he can regain his sight.” “But Lord,” Ananias replied, “I've heard a lot about this man—about all the evil things he did to the believers in Jerusalem. The chief priests have given him the power to arrest everyone here that worships and follows you.” But the Lord told him, “Get on your way, because he is the person I have chosen to take my name to foreigners and kings, as well as to Israel. I will show him what he'll have to suffer for my name's sake.” So Ananias left and went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “The Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were traveling here, has sent me so you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized. He also had something to eat and felt stronger. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.