Topical Bible: Vision of Paul of Christ, on the Way to Damascus

Bible > Topical > Vision of Paul of Christ, on the Way to Damascus

◄ Vision of Paul of Christ, on the Way to Damascus ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Vision of Paul of Christ on the Way to Damascus is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul. This event is recounted in the Book of Acts and is foundational to understanding Paul's subsequent ministry and theological contributions to early Christianity.

Biblical Account

The account of Paul's vision is primarily found in Acts 9:1-19, with additional references in Acts 22:6-16 and Acts 26:12-18. Saul, a zealous Pharisee, was known for his fierce persecution of early Christians. As he traveled to Damascus with the intent to arrest followers of "the Way," he experienced a life-changing encounter with the risen Christ.

Acts 9:3-6 describes the event: "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?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'"

Theological Significance

The vision of Christ on the road to Damascus is significant for several reasons:

1. Divine Revelation: The encounter is a direct revelation from Jesus Christ, affirming His resurrection and divine authority. It underscores the belief that Christ actively intervenes in human history and individual lives.

2. Conversion and Calling: Saul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle highlights the power of divine grace. This event marks his conversion and calling to be a "chosen instrument" to carry Christ's name to the Gentiles, as stated in Acts 9:15 : "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.'"

3. Apostolic Authority: Paul's vision is often cited as the basis for his apostolic authority. Unlike the other apostles who were called during Christ's earthly ministry, Paul received his commission directly from the risen Lord, which he emphasizes in his epistles (e.g., Galatians 1:11-12).

4. Theological Insights: The event foreshadows key themes in Paul's theology, such as the universality of the Gospel, the role of grace, and the transformative power of encountering Christ. It also illustrates the concept of spiritual blindness and sight, as Paul is physically blinded by the vision and later regains his sight through Ananias, symbolizing his spiritual awakening.

Impact on Early Christianity

Paul's conversion had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity. As a Roman citizen and a former Pharisee, Paul was uniquely positioned to bridge Jewish and Gentile communities. His missionary journeys and epistles played a crucial role in establishing early Christian doctrine and expanding the church beyond Jewish boundaries.

The Vision of Paul of Christ on the Way to Damascus remains a powerful testament to the transformative encounter with the divine, serving as an enduring example of conversion, calling, and the boundless reach of God's grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 9:3-6
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Resurrection of Christ.
... does not belong to the history of Christ at all ... hypothesis appeal first and chiefly
to the vision of St ... Paul on the way to Damascus, which occurred several years ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 19 the resurrection of.htm

'The Heavenly vision'
... process lying ready to our hands in Paul's own letters ... we have not only the permanent
record of Christ in the ... and the wants of humanity, a vision disclosed and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the heavenly vision.htm

Dr. Philip Schaff on the Resurrection.
... does not belong to the history of Christ at all ... hypothesis appeal first and chiefly
to the vision of St ... Paul on the way to Damascus, which occurred several years ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/dr philip schaff on the.htm

Days of Preparation
... of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness ... Upon
learning of this vision, the brethren hastened Paul's secret escape ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 13 days of preparation.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... But this, the only possible argument for the vision-hypothesis, is ... When Paul says:
"Last of all, as unto an untimely offspring, Christ appeared to me also ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm

Conversion
... Again the language which Paul uses and the references which he makes to this appearance
of Christ forbid us to ... that it was only a mere vision of Christ ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study ii conversion.htm

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ]
... The vision that changed Paul is as available for ... not the heavenly vision, but obedience
to the vision. ... which transformed Gamaliel's pupil into Christ's disciple ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the young saul and the.htm

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
... when he was arrested by the heavenly vision, which, when ... Paul, that they have "lived
in all good conscience ... the heirs of light, who have followed Christ in His ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiv obedience to god.htm

Paul Before Festus and Agrippa.
... Paul was perfectly aware of the consequences of accepting ... was not disobedient unto
the heavenly vision: but showed ... he engaged in the service of Christ, and the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxviii paul before festus.htm

Paul on his Own Conversion
... Speaking to Jews, as here, Paul described Ananias as a ... received through Ananias as
equally Christ's voice ... our fathers' who had 'appointed' the vision, and that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul on his own conversion.htm