Acts 26:12-18

Paul's Account of His Conversion and Life Following

On his way to Damascus in pursuit of more Christians, Paul reported that he saw a great light, which was brighter than the sun, coming out of heaven at midday and surrounding the persecutor and his companions. After the group had fallen to the ground, a voice spoke to him in Hebrew, saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." Naturally, Paul asked the Voice to identify Himself. He identified Himself as Jesus of Nazareth and told Paul to stand up because He intended for him to minister and witness for Him both as to the things he had seen and would see. The Lord promised to protect Paul from harm coming either from the Jews or the Gentiles, to whom he was being sent. The apostle's purpose was going to be to open their eyes to their own sinfulness, means of receiving remission and the great inheritance available to those set apart by their faith in Jesus (Acts 26:12-18).