Where Are You, God? 30 First Encounters With GodSample

Day 21: Saul/Paul - The Persecutor's Conversion

If you wanted to find Christianity's greatest enemy in the first century, it would be Saul of Tarsus. He had overseen the stoning of a prominent Christian, dragged believers from their homes, and was now traveling to Damascus with official papers to arrest any Christians he could find.

This wasn't casual opposition—this was systematic persecution by a brilliant, zealous Pharisee who believed he was serving God by destroying what he saw as a dangerous sect.

Blinded by the Light

But on his way to Damascus, Saul was stopped in his tracks by a sudden light. This wasn't a gentle spiritual awakening—it was a dramatic intervention that knocked Saul to the ground and left him temporarily blind. The voice that spoke was clear to Paul but sounded like thunder to those with him: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4).

Confused, Saul cried, "Who are you, Lord?" The answer changed everything: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5). The very person Saul thought was dead and defeated was speaking to him from heaven, very much alive.

The Transformed Persecutor

For three days, Saul remained blind, neither eating nor drinking. When Ananias reluctantly came to pray for him, Saul's sight was restored, and he was immediately baptized. The transformation was instant and complete.

Now a new man with a new name, Paul wasted no time. He began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues! The man who had come to arrest Christians was now declaring that Jesus was the Messiah.

From Enemy to Apostle

Jesus had chosen the most unlikely candidate for the most important mission. Later, Paul would write: "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience" (1 Timothy 1:16).

The persecutor became the greatest missionary in Christian history, carrying the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

No One Beyond Reach

If Jesus could transform His greatest enemy into His greatest evangelist, no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. The very person who seemed most opposed to the Gospel became its most passionate advocate.

The Unexpected Call

God is still using the most unexpected people to draw others to Himself. The former persecutor, the unlikely convert, the transformed enemy—these can become His most powerful witnesses.