Saul Meets the Risen Jesus

Acts 9:1–19 centers on saul meets the risen jesus. Saul, still threatening Jesus’ disciples, receives authority to arrest believers in Damascus. A heavenly light stops him, the risen Jesus asks, 'Why persecutest thou me?', and blinded Saul is led into the city. Jesus then commissions reluctant Ananias to receive the former persecutor, who regains sight, is baptized, eats, and is strengthened.

The wider biblical story comes into focus here. The risen Jesus identifies himself with his persecuted people: Saul’s violence against believers is violence against Christ. The scene also resembles prophetic-call narratives—divine encounter, objection, commission, chosen instrument—but the narrative’s center is Jesus’ sovereign claim on an enemy who becomes a witness.