Acts 9:1-9

New International Reader's Version

Saul Becomes a Believer

9 Meanwhile, Saul continued to oppose the Lord’s followers. He said they would be put to death. He went to the high priest. ² He asked the priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus. He wanted to find men and women who belonged to the Way of Jesus. The letters would allow him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ On his journey, Saul approached Damascus. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground. He heard a voice speak to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you opposing me?”

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus,” he replied. “I am the one you are opposing. ⁶ Now get up and go into the city. There you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ The men traveling with Saul stood there. They weren’t able to speak. They had heard the sound. But they didn’t see anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground. He opened his eyes, but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was blind. He didn’t eat or drink anything.