When was saul converted to paul

Saul wanted to punish these disciples of Jesus and convince them to give up their newly found beliefs. This revelation must have been a shock to Saul. The one who was dead? When Saul rose from the ground, he could not see.

He was completely blind. He had to be lead to the city by the men he travelled with. A man who lived in the city, Ananias, was told by the Lord to go and see Saul. Ananias went to Saul and told him he had been sent by the Lord. Saul regained his sight, was baptised, and instantly began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues of Damascus.

Saul, who was now known as Paul, underwent a dramatic and profound change. Only those who had seen the risen Christ could testify to his resurrection. Jesus did not distinguish between his church and his followers, and himself. Jesus told Saul he had been persecuting him. Anyone who persecutes Christians, or the Christian church, is persecuting Christ himself. In one moment of fear, enlightenment, and regret, Saul understood that Jesus was the true Messiah and that he Saul had helped murder and imprison innocent people.

Despite his previous beliefs as a Pharisee, he now knew the truth about God and was obligated to obey him. Paul's conversion proves that God can call and transform anyone he chooses, even the most hard-hearted. Saul of Tarsus possessed perfect qualifications to be an evangelist: He was versed in Jewish culture and language, his upbringing in Tarsus made him familiar with the Greek language and culture, his training in Jewish theology helped him connect the Old Testament with the gospel, and as a skilled tentmaker he could support himself.

When retelling his conversion later to King Agrippa, Paul said Jesus told him, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads. Some interpret this as meaning Paul had pangs of conscience when persecuting the church.

Others believe Jesus meant that it was futile to try to oppress the church. Paul's life-changing experience on the Damascus Road led to his baptism and instruction in the Christian faith. He became the most determined of the apostles, suffering brutal physical pain, persecution, and finally, martyrdom. He revealed his secret of enduring a lifetime of hardship for the gospel: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

After this incident, God spoke to a believer named Ananias, asking him to find Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight. Saul then began proclaiming the gospel in Damascus and beyond, inaugurating a life of dedicated ministry. However, in Acts , Ananias refers to him as Saul after his conversion. Later in Acts , the Holy Spirit addresses him as Saul before he sets off on his first missionary trip.

In fact, he is referred to as Saul 11 times after his conversion. He is thought to be the author of 13 books in the New Testament — more than any other biblical writer. In honor of St. Paul, we invite you to light a candle today at the Basilica. Vigil candles burn in the chapels throughout the Upper Church and lower crypt level of the National Shrine.