ACTS 9:1–19
THE CONVERSION OF SAUL: FROM PERSECUTOR TO APOSTLE
Text – Acts 9:1–19
1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains.
3 On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.
4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5 He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6 Get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with him stood speechless; they heard the sound but saw no one.
8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.
9 For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.
10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul.
12 He is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay hands on him, that he may regain his sight.”
13 But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem.
14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites,
16 and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.”
17 So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized,
19 and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.
Historical and Jewish Context
Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee zealously devoted to the Law and convinced that the Jesus movement threatened Israel’s covenant faith. Seeking authorization from the high priest reflects the Jewish system of maintaining religious order across diaspora synagogues. Damascus, an important Jewish center, lay outside Judea, showing the Church’s growing reach. Saul’s blindness echoes prophetic symbolism in Judaism, where physical blindness often signifies spiritual ignorance awaiting divine revelation. Ananias represents the faithful remnant, struggling to trust God’s plan amid fear and persecution.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage reveals the primacy of divine grace in conversion. Saul does not seek Christ; Christ seeks Saul. Jesus’ identification with His Church—“why are you persecuting me?”—reveals the profound mystery of the Church as the Body of Christ. Saul’s blindness, prayer, healing, baptism, and reception of the Holy Spirit form a complete pattern of Christian initiation. Ananias’ obedience shows that God’s transforming work often comes through the humble ministry of the faithful. Saul’s call anticipates his mission as Apostle to the Gentiles and his participation in Christ’s sufferings.
Parallels in Scripture
Ezekiel 1:28 – Falling before divine glory
Isaiah 6:5–8 – Call and mission after divine encounter
Luke 22:31–32 – God’s plan beyond human failure
Galatians 1:15–16 – Paul’s own account of divine calling
1 Corinthians 12:12–27 – The Church as the Body of Christ
Key Terms
The Way – Early name for the Christian community
Light from the sky – Divine revelation and calling
Why are you persecuting me? – Christ’s unity with His Church
Chosen instrument – God’s sovereign election for mission
Laying on of hands – Channel of healing and the Holy Spirit
Baptism – Entry into new life in Christ
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 9:1–19 is proclaimed during the Easter Season and on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. It highlights the power of grace, the call to conversion, and the Church’s missionary vocation.
Conclusion
Acts 9:1–19 proclaims that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Saul’s encounter with the risen Christ transforms a persecutor into an apostle, showing that God’s grace can radically redirect even the most resistant heart.
Reflection
Am I open to God’s grace even when it challenges my certainties?
Do I recognize Christ’s presence in His Church and His people?
How willing am I to obey God’s call, even when it involves risk?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You met Saul on the road and transformed his life by Your grace. Encounter me anew, open my eyes to Your truth, and make me an instrument of Your love and mercy. Lead me where You will, that I may serve Your name faithfully. Amen.