The Conversion of St. Paul
The Conversion of St. Paul took place around A.D. 35 on the road to Damascus. Formerly known as Saul, he was a Pharisee zealous in persecuting early Christians. His life changed dramatically when a bright light from heaven knocked him to the ground and he heard the voice of Jesus asking, “Why do you persecute Me?” Blinded and shaken, Saul was led into Damascus, where he was healed by a disciple named Ananias. This profound encounter transformed Saul into Paul, one of the greatest missionaries and writers of the New Testament. He embarked on numerous missionary journeys, founded Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire, and authored epistles that continue to shape Christian theology and spirituality. His radical conversion and subsequent devotion exemplify how God’s grace can redirect even the most misguided life toward truth and purpose.
Practical Lessons:
- Stay Open to Change: Paul’s conversion shows that even strong opinions and habits can shift. In modern life, be willing to rethink assumptions and remain open to growth, especially when confronted with new insights or constructive feedback.
- Use Your Gifts for Good: Before encoun
One feast day that often slips by without notice is the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. This miraculous event, which has been part of the Church calendar for more than 1, years, is an unmovable feast — that is, it is always on the same calendar date, Jan. (Some years, the feast day falls on a Sunday, and because only a Solemnity or a feast of Our Lord can trump the Sunday liturgy, the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul is not always widely commemorated then.)
But these calendar circumstances in no way diminish the importance of Paul’s conversion, as he was among the greatest of the missionaries spreading the words of Jesus Christ. Further, he is an example that anyone, even the most hardened unbeliever or the vilest heretic, can be created anew by our loving Savior.
Road to Damascus
Saul, which is Paul’s given name, was born into a Jewish family in Tarsus (Turkey) around the year A.D. 8; he was also a Roman citizen, a fact that would play a large role later in his life. Schooled as a Pharisee, he was a tent maker by trade, but was most noted for his hatred of Christians. He believed the teachings of Jesus violated Mosaic Law and zealously harassed, and even jailed, anyo
The feast day of the conversion of St Paul is being marked tomorrow. We all know the story of the Pharisee who persecuted the Church before being blinded by a great light as he travelled to Damascus. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts ) said a voice; “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked in reply. “I am Jesus,” the voice said. Three days later, God sent Ananias to retore Saul’s sight; he baptised him and Saul immediately began preaching Christ.
Relating the incident in Galatians 1, Saul, now renamed Paul, writes that God “called me through his grace…that I might preach him among the Gentiles” (v). It is in large part because Paul accepted this calling that people across the world have heard the saving message of Jesus Christ. It is through Paul’s voice that we hear God say: “Those who were not my people, I will call my people” (see Hosea , Romans ).
What is conversion?
It is often claimed that Paul was not ‘converted’ from one religion to another, but rather ‘called’ to preach the Jewish God among the Gentiles. What changed was not Paul’s religion, but his vocation. As Swedish theologian, Rev Krister Stendhal, said: “the mission is the point.”
The whole o
The Conversion of Paul and its Impact on Christianity
The apostle Paul’s conversion was a pivotal point for the early Christian church. Born Saul of Tarsus, he was an avid persecutor of Christians until he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. His encounter with Jesus changed Paul and inspired him to become one of the most influential evangelists and missionaries for the gospel.
Paul’s conversion and subsequent ministry provide valuable insights into the early church. The following post examines critical factors surrounding Paul’s conversion, how it impacted the growth of Christianity and lessons from Paul’s story that we can apply to our faith today.
Saul’s Background as Persecutor of Christians
Saul of Tarsus was a Roman and devoted Pharisee who zealously persecuted the early Christian church. Saul adhered strictly to the Mosaic Law and Jewish traditions as a Pharisee. He saw the teachings of Jesus Christ and his followers as a threat to traditional Judaism. The Bible records Saul’s presence at the stoning of Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs, and notes, “Saul was consenting to his death” (Acts ). Immediately after Stephen’s stoning, Saul “made havoc of
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