The Conversion of Saul

Saul, “yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter” against the disciples, sets out for Damascus with letters from the high priest to arrest believers there. Near the city, a light from heaven shines around him. He falls to the ground and hears: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” “Who art thou, Lord?” “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Blind, he spends three days without sight, neither eating nor drinking. The Lord sends a disciple in Damascus, Ananias, who hesitates; but God insists: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles.” Ananias lays his hands on him: something like scales falls from his eyes, he receives his sight, and he is baptized. At once, Saul preaches that Jesus is the Son of God. Threatened with death, he escapes in a basket; in Jerusalem, Barnabas brings him to the apostles.