Background
Not long after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christianity spread rapidly (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 6:7). However, many were strongly opposed to the Christian faith. After Stephen gave his speech concerning Christ, he was dragged out of the city and stoned (7:1-58a).

"Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." They killed Stephen. "And Saul was there, giving approval to his death." (7:58b-8:1a)

As godly men buried Stephen and mourned, "Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he ragged off men and women and put them in prison" (8:3, NIV).

Though Saul was violently opposed to Christianity, he considered himself to be a good man.
He thought, "If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless." (Philippians 3:4b-6, NIV)

1. Why do you think Saul was so opposed to Christianity?

Bright Light
Christians continued to preach the good news of Jesus (8:4, 25, 40), and Saul continued to oppose them. But something happened to Saul. Read Acts 9:1-22.

2. On his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, Saul was met by a bright light. It was Jesus Christ. Jesus said to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (9:4). What is interesting or surprising about Jesus' words?

Saul immediately changed his attitude toward Jesus. He realized that Jesus was not an imposter cursed by God. He is Lord! Saul asked, "What shall I do, Lord? (22:10). Saul obeyed Jesus' instructions to go into Damascus (22:10-11). And after some hesitation (9:13-14), Ananias obeyed Jesus' instructions to minister to Saul (9:17-19).

Big Change
After Saul regained his sight, he was baptized (9:18). After he regained his strength, "he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God" (9:19-20). All were astonished at his big change (9:21). This man, who had violently opposed Christianity, now "baffled (confused) the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ" (9:22).

3. Certainly, Saul's conversion was dramatic. Some non-Christians might think, "If Jesus Christ appeared to me like that, I would become a Christian too!" Should non-Christians wait for a "bright light" before they believe in Jesus Christ? Explain.

Saul later said that God wants us to "seek him and perhaps reach out to him and find him" (Acts 17:27).

4. While Saul's experience was unique, what parts of his experience are common (or at least should be common) to all genuine Christian conversions?

5. Read Acts 9:16. What would Saul's "big change" involve, and why?

Because Why?
? Why did this happen to Saul? Because God had plans for him! Jesus told Ananias, "[Saul] is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel" (9:15).

6. God called Saul to a special position and assignment. Certainly, Saul's calling was unique. As Christians today, why were we called?

"God…has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace." (2 Timothy 1:9, NIV)

"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1, NIV).

Reflection/Application
† If you have not met Jesus Christ, humbly and sincerely seek to meet him. If you have already become a Christian, are you living a life worthy of your calling? Read and heed footnote 12.