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Paul aka Saul of Tarsus was physically struck blind on the road to Damascus, Syria by Jesus Christ so that he could spirituality see the true Light of the World. Like the physically born-blind man who was healed by Jesus said, “I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25; Acts 9).
By his own admission in the Holy Bible, Paul was very verifiably once the top terrorist waging war against the Early Church's saints - especially after Christ was crucified, resurrected and ascended to Heaven.
Breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, Paul was there at the murder scene consenting to the stoning death of the first Christian martyr, Stephen who was killed by Anti-Christians riled up by the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem.
Fleeing the tribulation, all Christians were scattered abroad except the apostles. But they that were scattered went every where preaching the word. Philip is especially mentioned in the Bible.
Paul hunted believers down and persecuted them wherever they went. He truly made havock of the church, entering into every house, haling men and women he committed them to prison.
Hence, his reason for going to Damascus under the authority of the spiritually blind chief priests.
Paul Was Spiritually Blinded to the Truth
Paul was once spiritually blinded to the Truth of Jesus Christ the Almighty God.
Like many other members of the Jewish elite during Jesus's ministry, rage filled him at the idea of Christ boldly as well as meekly declaring Himself to be not only the Son of God but God incarnated.
To the Jewish leaders this was blasphemy worthy of death - capital punishment according to their laws.
Old Testament law called for the stoning of anyone who blasphemed God (Leviticus 24:16).
The Jewish high priests had put Jesus through a mock trial in the wee hours, replete with false witnesses fully intending to railroad Him.
Jewish High Priest Persecution of Christians
It was not enough for them to insist that the occupying Roman Empire officials crucify Jesus, but the Jewish high priests then carried out a campaign of terror against Christ’s followers.
Paul was at first one of the foremost purveyors of persecution against Christians, being authorized by the Jewish religious leaders to give Christians hell in Jerusalem, Samaria, Syria and wherever Paul and his crew found them.
True Christians Refused to Denounce Christ
True Christians are well-documented from the beginning of the Early Church for refusing to denounce Christ in the face of terror and persecution even to death.
Roman Empire documents like Pliny the magistrate's letters show that the Romans knew it was impossible to get true Christians to condemn Jesus.
Paul Saw the Light After Three Days
Paul was struck blind by Jesus Christ while he was on his way to arrest every Christian in Damascus. But near the city Paul saw the Glory of God, the Shekhinah or the Divine Presence which is a very bright shining light from Heaven.
"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest" (Acts9:4-5).
Paul's men were dumbfounded and led him into Damascus where he started praying. Jesus sent Ananias to go lay hands on Paul. His sight was restored after three days of blindness.
Recall that Christ Himself was crucified and resurrected from the dead after three days.
The blind version of Paul died and the Truth-seeing version of Paul was resurrected in order to go walking in the glory of God.
He was physically blinded so he could spiritually see.
Paul was miraculously converted and immediately began preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit in Damascus first, then Jerusalem.
The rest is history as he became the apostle to the Gentiles and one of the foremost recognized followers of Christ.
If you are blind to the historical Truth that is the Gospel, then pray for the Lord to reveal the Truth of His existence and saving grace unto you. He will not disappoint whosoever believes in Him.
Peace be unto you until we meet again via The Christian Commander.
Godspeed and long live the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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