Topical Bible: Blindness: Saul of Tarsus

◄ Blindness: Saul of Tarsus ►

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Introduction

Blindness, both physical and spiritual, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often symbolizing a lack of understanding or insight into God's will. One of the most profound instances of blindness in the New Testament is the temporary physical blindness experienced by Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul. This event marks a pivotal moment in Saul's life and serves as a powerful illustration of spiritual transformation and divine intervention.

Background

Saul of Tarsus was a zealous Pharisee, deeply committed to the Jewish law and traditions. He was a fervent persecutor of the early Christian church, believing that the followers of Jesus were heretical and a threat to Judaism. Saul's zeal led him to seek out Christians, imprisoning them and even consenting to their deaths, as seen in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58-8:1).

The Damascus Road Experience

Saul's journey to Damascus, as recorded in Acts 9, is a turning point in his life. Armed with letters from the high priest, Saul intended to arrest any Christians he found in the synagogues of Damascus. However, as he neared the city, a divine encounter changed the course of his life.

Acts 9:3-4 states, "As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'" This voice was that of Jesus Christ, confronting Saul about his persecution of the church. The encounter left Saul physically blind, a condition that lasted for three days (Acts 9:8-9).

Significance of Saul's Blindness

Saul's physical blindness symbolizes his spiritual blindness. Despite his extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, Saul failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. The temporary loss of sight served as a humbling experience, stripping Saul of his self-reliance and forcing him to depend on others. During this time, Saul fasted and prayed, preparing his heart for the transformation that was to come.

Ananias and the Restoration of Sight

God instructed a disciple named Ananias to visit Saul. Despite his initial hesitation due to Saul's reputation, Ananias obeyed the Lord's command. Acts 9:17-18 recounts, "So Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized."

The restoration of Saul's sight signifies his spiritual awakening and acceptance of Jesus as Lord. This event marks the beginning of Saul's transformation into Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, who would go on to spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.

Conclusion

The account of Saul's blindness and subsequent conversion is a powerful testament to God's grace and the transformative power of encountering Christ. Saul's experience underscores the theme of spiritual enlightenment and the necessity of divine intervention to open one's eyes to the truth of the Gospel.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 9:8,9
And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From Persecutor to Disciple
... at his former blindness of understanding and at the blindness of the Jews ... disciple
at Damascus, named Ananias," telling him that Saul of Tarsus was praying ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

A Leap Year Sermon *
... and our Lord still knows how to stop men as he stopped Saul of Tarsus on the ... Presently,
he rises to pray, and, in his three days' blindness and fasting, to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a leap year sermon .htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... The following verses relate the cure of his blindness, his admission into the ... and
inquire in the house of Judas, for one called Saul of Tarsus: for behold ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

Mysterious visits.
... His visit had the same effect upon me that it had upon Saul of Tarsus when the ... of
the light of His Spirit He made me grope in conscious blindness; and in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/mysterious visits.htm

Acts IX
... His blindness precludes the supposition that he could have been ... stating the condition
of things immediately after Saul's departure for Tarsus. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ix.htm

The Holy Spirit Convicting the World of Sin, of Righteousness and ...
... Our blindness to our own shortcomings is oftentimes little short of ludicrous. ...
Take, for example, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter vii the holy spirit.htm

Jesus and the Blind Man.
... "Both beggary and blindness are much ... Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, Gamaliel and
Saul of Tarsus, were of this sect. (John 9:14). 14. It was the Sabbath day. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus and the blind man.htm

Acts ix. 10, 12
... of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold ... his hands upon him, and said,
Brother Saul""he straightway ... Some say this was a sign of his blindness. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xx acts ix 10.htm

Salvation to the Jews
... ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness
in part ... Among the Jews are some who, like Saul of Tarsus, are mighty ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 35 salvation to the.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... light, he was led to Damascus, and after three days of blindness and fasting ... and
effective change of conviction and conduct, it was that of Saul of Tarsus. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm