How can Paul's blindness in Acts 22:11 relate to spiritual blindness today? “Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.” Paul’s Physical Blindness: A Wake-Up Call • A literal, sudden loss of sight—God interrupts Saul’s destructive path. • The great persecutor is reduced to dependence, led “by the hand.” • This darkness forces him to listen rather than look, preparing his heart for the Lord’s instructions (Acts 9:6). Physical Darkness Illustrating Spiritual Darkness • Just as Saul could not see the road, unbelievers cannot see truth: – 2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” – John 9:39: Jesus came so “that the blind may see.” • Both blindnesses lift only when Christ shines His light (John 8:12). • Paul’s scales (Acts 9:18) picture the veils that fall when a heart turns to the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:16). Causes of Spiritual Blindness Today • Self-righteous confidence—thinking we already “see” (Revelation 3:17). • Love of darkness over light (John 3:19-20). • Prideful traditions or philosophies that eclipse God’s Word (Colossians 2:8). • Satanic deception, the mind “veiled” (2 Corinthians 4:4). God’s Cure for Blind Eyes • A confronting light—Scripture’s truth pierces our darkness (Psalm 119:105). • Personal encounter—Christ speaks by His Spirit, just as He spoke to Saul. • Ananias-type obedience—faithful believers help remove “scales” with gospel clarity (Romans 10:14-15). • Prayer for opened eyes—Psalm 119:18; Ephesians 1:18. • Repentance and surrender—turning from sin invites sight (Acts 3:19). Living with Open Eyes • Walk daily in the light we have received (1 John 1:7). • Stay saturated in Scripture—the lamp that prevents stumbling (Psalm 119:105). • Guard against new blindness; hardness can return (Hebrews 3:13). • Point others to the same Light, remembering we were once blind (Ephesians 5:8). |
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