Saul was determined to destroy the followers of Jesus and obtained authority from the high priest to arrest believers in Damascus.

As he neared the city, a bright light suddenly shone around him and he fell to the ground. A voice said, “Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” It was Jesus. Saul asked what he should do, and was told to enter the city.

Blinded, Saul was led into Damascus, where he fasted for three days. The Lord then sent Ananias to lay hands on him so he might regain his sight. Despite his fear, Ananias obeyed. Saul’s sight was restored, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he was baptized.

Saul immediately began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. The people were astonished, but opposition grew and a plot was made to kill him. He escaped by being lowered in a basket through the city wall.

In Jerusalem, the believers were initially afraid of him until Barnabas explained his conversion. Saul was accepted and boldly preached in Jesus’ name, but another plot arose against him, so he was sent away to Tarsus.

The church then experienced a time of peace, growing in faith and strength through the Holy Spirit.