Acts 9 records one of the most significant events in world history: the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Next to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Saul’s transformation has to be regarded as the most monumental event in the spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire. From “Saul” to “Paul,” how did a persecutor of the gospel become a preacher of it? The change that occurred in this man’s life was not only unexpected, but totally unsought. On the road to Damascus, Saul is not curious to learn more about Christianity; he’s convinced he needs to stamp it out. Having authorized the killing of Stephen (7:58; 8:1), Saul’s program of persecution has expanded northward, and his heart is not showing any signs of softening (v 1-2). But as he approaches the city, “suddenly a light from heaven shone around him,” knocking him to his feet and blinding him. A voice calls out, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Remarkably, the risen Christ so identifies with His people that when they are mistreated, He takes it personally! In an instant, Saul is confronted with the horrifying reality that he has been wrong. No matter how firmly he had believed otherwise, Jesus is alive after all! Saul’s personal encounter with Christ was not simply a private vision or inner crisis of some kind. It was a public event, with eyewitnesses present (v 3-7). Humbled and helpless, Saul is led by the hand into Damascus, where a disciple named Ananias ministers to him on behalf of the church. After three days of prayer and repentance, Saul’s life is taking on a new direction. He will become God’s “chosen instrument,” bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to various audiences—at the price of his own suffering. When Saul regains his vision, he is baptized, physically strengthened, and filled with the Holy Spirit (v 8-19). Immediately he goes to the synagogue in town, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. Here the persecution turns on Saul for preaching the faith he once tried to extinguish. Escaping Damascus, he comes to Jerusalem, where Jesus’ followers must now process something they couldn’t have imagined in their wildest dreams: Saul was saved!? Understandably, most were initially skeptical. But Barnabas stood beside him as an advocate, and soon Saul was preaching in Jerusalem too, where his life is again threatened by new enemies (v 20-31). The early church could have never predicted that the very man who wanted to kill them would eventually become their leader and spokesman. But this story reminds us that no rebel is unreachable. Don’t give up on an unlikely convert. By God’s sovereign grace, He can open any heart, at any time. For further meditation: