Saul Sees The Light

Saul has been persecuting the Christians in Jerusalem. He asks to go to Damascus and do the same. Saul sees THE Light on the way, and his life will never be the same again.

I almost named this post; “Saul’s About Face” but I don’t know if everyone knows this term. It is a marching term. It involves a 180-degree pivot where you literally go back over your own footsteps because the turn around is so complete. Saul does this spiritually but then does it physically too. Let’s rejoin our story and watch as the Lord makes a mortal enemy a favored friend.

Holy Spirit, I know that You were there on that day with Saul. Show me Your story and let me see it like You did. Shine Your light in the dark places and let me see the things You have waiting for me. The little nuggets that speak to my heart so clearly of God’s heart.

♥ ♦ ♥

Saul has spent six months scouring the streets of Jerusalem and the surrounding villages for any who profess faith in Jesus of Nazareth. Not in His existence, but in Him being the Messiah, the Christ. These people have come to call themselves ‘followers of the Way’.

“Followers of the Way will find their way right into prison” Saul tells himself every morning as he prepares for his mission. But, after six months, he is finding it hard to find any more of the followers. He KNOWS they are out there, but the one hiding them in Jerusalem are too well organized to let them be captured.

Saul decides that it is time to expand his mission. He prepares and practices his speech for two days before bringing it to Caiaphas. He wants his reasoning and presentation to be perfect.

“Today is the day” Saul says as he brushes out his hair and beard. He wants to look his best. He chooses his finest robe and fragrant oils to anoint himself with. One final look in his mirror. His is a common reflective surface made of bronze and tin that he has hung on the wall. He smiles as he sees his reflection.

“This will do quite nicely.”

Saul is at the southern inner gate of the Temple before it even opens. He waits for the Temple guards and the Levite to open it for the people. As much as he would like to pace or fidget to burn off energy, Saul stands perfectly still. He allows no one to see his excitement or uncertainty.

The gate opens and Saul waits a beat or two before entering. He goes straight to the chambers of the Great Sanhedrin. This is where the high priest reigns. And this is the only man with the authority to sanction Saul’s plan.

The room is buzzing with activity and voices when Saul enters. He looks around at the different groups gathered in the room. There are Hellenists, Sadducees, Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers milling around in small groups. Saul quickly identifies Caiaphas moving among the groups. He steps further into the room and moves to the place a petitioner would stand. Again, he holds himself completely still while he waits.

Caiaphas calls the hall to order and the members take their seats. He sees Saul standing in the docks waiting for an audience. Saul is familiar to him, as he has already come for permission to search Jerusalem. Sal has also appeared as witness with some of the accused followers of Jesus.

“Saul. It is nice to see you again.” Caiaphas raises his hand towards Saul as he addresses the members. “A more loyal and righteous man, who can find.”

Saul barely dips his head in recognition of Caiaphas’ complement. He waits for Caiaphas to give him the floor.

“What brings you before the court today, young Saul?”

“I come seeking further authority to carry out the mission of identifying and imprisoning the ‘followers of the Way’.”

“I have already given you authority to do this. What more are you seeking?”

“High Priest Caiaphas, I have essentially exhausted the opportunities for capturing such malcontents in Jerusalem. Those that remain are buried so well that I am unable to reach them. But they have scattered to other regions. I am seeking your permission and authority to extend my mission into Damascus. I believe that this is where many of these followers of the Way have retreated to.”

“What authority do you need to complete your mission?”

“Authority to enter any house that might be harboring those who would mislead our people and to arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem to stand before you and the Sanhedrin.”

“You shall have it this very day! Continue to root out this vile faction wherever they may hide.”

Saul bows slightly in thanks while a scribe hurries to Caiaphas’ side with a scroll. The two quickly write out authorization for Saul to continue on his mission. Once it is written, Caiaphas seals it with his signet ring. Once it is sealed, the scribe hands it to Saul.

“Go and make a diligent search. Bring back great results” Caiaphas says as Saul turns to leave.

Saul’s next stop is the garrison of the Temple guards. These men served faithfully by his side as he scoured Jerusalem. “They will be happy to have more exciting work to do again” thinks Saul.

The captain of the guard sees Saul approaching. He raises a hand in welcome. Saul returns the gesture. When they are face to face, Saul lays out his plan.

“I need a company of guards to go with me to Damascus. I have been given permission to continue my quest there for followers of the Way.”

“What will we do when we find them?”

“We will bring them, bound, to stand before Caiaphas.”

The captain nods. He is not looking for bloodshed, but this group is becoming popular and needs to be stopped. “We will be ready at first light; if that is sufficient.”

Saul had hoped to get on the road today, but one more day won’t make any difference. “It will suffice. I will meet you at the gates of the Temple.”

Saul finds it hard to occupy his time this day. He was ready to leave immediately, but he didn’t want to push with the captain. He potters around his house, straightening and readying things for his return. He also makes certain visit the Temple to offer his required prayers. He adds a prayer for safety in his endeavor as well.

“Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Grant success to my quest. Help me to find the people who are following this new sect and set them straight; whatever it takes. Guide my steps, and strengthen my arm.”

Morning comes and Saul is standing right where he promised he would be. A company of twenty-one arrives to join him in his mission. The captain of the guard sent his second in charge in his place. They set out across the streets of Jerusalem and make straight for the road to Damascus.

The early morning risers in Jerusalem watch as they go. “So he is off to terrorize some other town” one man comments to his companion.

“If we knew where they were going, I would run ahead and warn the town.”

“The Lord knows. He will watch over His people.”

Saul has no idea that two of Jesus’ own disciples are watching his departure. If he did, he would try and arrest them first.

The journey takes nearly a week along the Great North Road. Nights are spent by the roadside or in nearby villages, if there is room for the soldiers. Some villages are bold enough to claim they have no room, while others welcome the group. Those of the Way go into immediate hiding in the villages when Saul appears. But he isn’t interested in the ‘small fish’. He wants a ‘big catch’ that Damascus promises.

Damascus is in sight and the soldiers straighten their armor in readiness. Saul plans on marching right into the center of town and making their presence known. “We will watch the ‘rats’ scurry from sight, and watch where they go to ground.”

As the company is about five miles from the city wall, a blinding light strikes Saul. He falls to the ground, covering his eyes. Those with him are confused, as they see on reason for him to crumple in this manner. They don’t see the light that is pinning Saul to the ground. A voice then speaks out of the heavens. ALL hear it!

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4).

Still cowering, Saul calls back to the voice; “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5a).

Immediately, the answer is given. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do” (Acts 9:5b-6).

The guards are all trembling and looking around for the source of the voice. When silence returns, Saul goes to rise from the ground.

“AHHHH!” he cries as he realizes that he is now blind.

“What is it, my lord” asks the head of the guard.

“I can’t see.”

“What do you mean? You can’t see what?”

“I can’t see anything! I’m blind!”

The soldiers fall back away from him a few paces, as though they too might be struck with blindness if they come to close. They watch as Saul gropes around for a minute and finally makes it to a standing position.

“I need help” Saul pleads. “I need a guide to bring me into the city. I cannot find my way on my own, and the voice said that is where I am to go.”

No one argues. One of the soldiers steps up and takes hold of Saul’s left hand. He places it on his own right shoulder. “I will lead you.”

The head of the guards calls out to Saul. “What are we supposed to do?”

Saul turns his face towards the sound of the man’s voice. “You can either go on into town and make arrangements for yourselves or return to Jerusalem. There will be no more search for the followers of the Way. We dare not anger the Lord any farther. I had no idea…”

Saul trails off as he begins to think about the past six months of his life. He was so CERTAIN that he was in the right.

Saul is led into town by the lone soldier. Once inside the gates, the soldier looks around, wondering what he is supposed to do now. A man approaches them.

“My name is Judas. I will take care of this man from here.”

Without waiting for a response, Judas takes Saul by the arm and begins to lead him away. The soldier shrugs, then turns and makes his way back to his counterparts.

“Who are you, and where are you taking me” Saul asks without resisting.

“As I stated before, my name is Judas. I am taking you to my home.”

“Why? And how did you know to come to me?”

“The Lord spoke to me in a dream last night. He told me to come to the gate and wait for a man who was being led by a soldier. He said that the man would be blind, and I am to bring him to my home and care for him.”

Saul says no more as he is led through the city. His mind is turning over the events he can’t quite fully grasp.

Judas leads Saul into his home and brings him to a chair. “You sit here and I will fix you something to eat.”

“I just want to sit here. I am not hungry. Thank you for offering though.”

“As you wish. Is there anything I can get for you?”

“Do you have a place where I can rest?”

“I have a guest room that you can use.”

“That would be most appreciated.”

Judas walks over to Saul and helps him to his feet. He leads him to a small room off to one corner of the courtyard, which was the center of the home.

Once Judas settles Saul on the bed and leaves, Saul slips to his knees and begins praying. “Lord, forgive me. I did not know what I was doing. I have been so wrong. Please show me the way.”

For three days and nights, Paul pours his heart out to the Lord. He does not ask for healing. He feels unworthy of such a gift, after all the damage he has done to those who follow Jesus. He asks only for forgiveness and direction. He refuses all offers of food or drink the whole time.

On the third night of Saul’s vigil, God speaks to another man across town. His name is Ananias. He is a follower of the Way. He is a disciple taught by the apostles in Jerusalem. He left right after the death of Stephen. Saul had not started his murderous campaign by the time Ananias made his way to Damascus. But he has heard stories of the man and his mission.

“Ananias” (Acts 9:10a) God calls out.

Ananias KNOWS the voice of the Lord and immediately answers. “Here I am, Lord” (Acts 9:10b).

“Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, ¹² and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight” (Acts 9:11-12).

Ananias nearly falls out of bed with a start! “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name” (Acts 9:13-14).

God’s voice is firm. “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:15-16).

Ananias waits until first light before setting off for Judas’ house. When he arrives, Judas welcomes him, almost as if he were expecting his arrival.

“Welcome, brother Ananias. I have a meal waiting, if you would care to join me.”

“Thank you, brother Judas. But I have come for a purpose. I have come to see the man Saul from Tarsus.”

Judas nods and leads Ananias through the courtyard and to the room where Saul is staying.

“Saul, I have brought a friend who wishes to speak to you.”

Saul rises from his knees and faces the direction of the voice. “Please, enter.”

“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17).

Saul stands still as Ananias approaches. “I’m going to put my hand over your eyes” Ananias says before touching Saul.

Saul nods slightly and stills again with Ananias’ touch.

“Jesus, merciful Savior. You brought me to Saul today to help him see You in a new light. You blinded him with Your radiance. Now I ask that You open his eyes and let him see the truth; physically and spiritually. In Your name I pray.”

The moment Ananias concluded his prayer, flakes begin to fall from Saul’s eyes. Ananias, Judas, and Saul all look at the small pile of them on the ground. They look almost like the scales one would see on a fish.

As Saul stares at them, he realizes that he can SEE again! He shouts; “Praise the Lord and His precious Son!”

Once these words leave Saul’s mouth, they are followed by the evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit that the believers have come to recognize so well. Saul is speaking in heavenly tongues and giving praise to God. Ananias and Judas join in praising God as well.

When they all are spent in praise, Ananias invites Saul to come and stay with him. “Together we will study the truth of Jesus. I will show you how He is the one the scriptures spoke so clearly of.”

“I would greatly appreciate that, brother Ananias.”

Saul spends several days with Ananias and Judas, learning from the scriptures. By the end of a week, he is proclaiming loudly in the synagogue that “Jesus Is Lord! ‘He is the Son of God’ (Acts 9:20).”

Saul continues to speak out for Jesus. He shares the proof of who Jesus is with any who stand still long enough to hear him. He is a well-known man though, and his change does NOT go unnoticed.

“Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” (Acts 9:21).

This change in Saul is great for those of the Way, but not for the ruling Jewish leaders. They try and ignore it, hoping that he will quiet down. Just the opposite happens. Saul’s reasoning and sound teaching bring followers to him who become disciples under him.

After some time, the religious leaders can stand no more.

“We have to stop him! He is doing more damage now than the good he did before. If he keeps speaking out, the people will follow him.”

“What do you suggest we do?”

“Kill him.”

Mouths drop open at the weight and simplicity of this statement.

“But…”

“No. There is no other choice. He MUST be silenced. For the good of the people.”

The decision having been made behind closed doors does not remain hidden for long. The disciples in Damascus hear of the plan in the middle of the night. Guards are already stationed at all the gates leaving the city with orders to seize Saul and anyone helping him.

Ananias comes to Saul in the middle of the night. “Brother Saul, we have to get you out of Damascus right now. There are those seeking your life this very night.”

“Why?”

“Because you are too famous. Your following Jesus is dangerous for them. The more you speak out, the more frightened they become. And the fact that you are gathering disciples is more than they can bear.”

“I will NEVER stop speaking out! The people have to know the TRUTH.”

“They will. We will continue to spread the gospel. But you have to leave, now.”

Saul finally surrenders to Ananias’ pleading. The two of them sneak to one of the disciple’s homes that abuts the wall of the city. Quickly, they climb onto the roof.

“Step in here and sit down” Ananias says while holding a large grain basket open for Saul.

Saul does as instructed. Once he is seated, a blanket is put over his head, a bundle of food is slipped in beside him, and ropes are tied to the basket. The basket is carefully pushed through a breach in the wall and lowered to the ground.

Saul feels the ground beneath him and carefully peeks from his hiding place. When he sees no one in sight, he climbs from the basket and waves to those holding the ropes to pull it up.

Saul looks up one last time, then disappears into the night with his bundle and blanket. He carefully makes his way back to Jerusalem, avoiding the roads as much as possible.

(to be continued)

I have to stop here because my husband needs me. He wants me to read to him some more of the book I just finished. No. It is not out for sale yet, but it will be soon.

As I was reading along today, I was surprised to find that Saul was already gathering disciples. I had to check that out several times before it sunk in. The man was charismatic! And God told the Ananias right away that Saul would be ministering to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. I wonder what Ananias thought about that.

Father God, I LOVE when You open my eyes to something new when I read a familiar passage. It’s not always a ‘big’ thing, but I like finding those nuggets that I walked over so many times before. Keep me searching and learning. And, THANK YOU for reaching out to the Gentiles as well. I would have NO hope, if not for Your hand reaching out to the whole world.