The story of on the road to damascus – ऑन द रोड टू दमिश्क की कहानी
The story of “On the Road to Damascus” is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, particularly in the life of the Apostle Paul. Here’s a detailed recount of the events:
Saul, a devout Pharisee and vehement persecutor of Christians, was determined to eradicate the early church. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and continued to pursue Christians with fervor.
Saul, breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked for letters to the synagogues in Damascus. His aim was to find any followers of the Way, arrest them, and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment (Acts 9:1-2).
As Saul neared Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly shone around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul, astonished, asked, “Who are You, Lord?” The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do” (Acts 9:3-6).
Saul’s companions stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. When Saul rose from the ground, he found that he was blind. They led him by the hand into Damascus, where he remained blind for three days, not eating or drinking (Acts 9:7-9).
In Damascus, there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, saying, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord instructed him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for Saul of Tarsus, who was praying. The Lord told Ananias that Saul had seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming to restore his sight (Acts 9:10-12).
Ananias was initially hesitant, knowing of Saul’s reputation and his intentions to imprison believers. However, the Lord reassured him, saying, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My name” (Acts 9:15-16).
Ananias went to Saul, placed his hands on him, and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. He was baptized, took food, and regained his strength (Acts 9:17-19).
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus, proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” All who heard him were amazed and questioned, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for the purpose to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 9:20-22).
This transformative journey from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most fervent apostles of Christ marks a profound change in Saul’s life, who would later be known as Paul. His conversion is a powerful testament to the grace and transformative power of Christ.
The story of on the road to damascus – ऑन द रोड टू दमिश्क की कहानी
