The Conversion of St. Paul

 • After his conversion, Saul changed his name to Paul

. • The conversion of Paul shows that Jesus himself wanted the Gospel to go to the Gentiles

. • The men with Saul did not see the risen Jesus, but Saul did. This miraculous message was meant for one person only, Saul.

 • Saul witnessed the risen Christ, which fulfilled the qualification for an apostle (Acts 1:21-22). Only those who had seen the risen Christ could testify to his resurrection.

 • Jesus did not distinguish between his church, his followers, and Himself. Jesus told Saul he had been persecuting Him. This serves as a warning that anyone who persecutes Christians or the Christian church is persecuting Christ Himself.

 • In one moment of fear, enlightenment, and regret, Saul understood that Jesus was indeed the true Messiah, and that he (Saul) had helped murder and imprison innocent people. Saul realized that despite his previous beliefs as a Pharisee, he now knew the truth about God and was obligated to obey Him.

 • Saul of Tarsus possessed perfect qualifications to be an evangelist for Christ: he was versed in Jewish culture and language, his upbringing in Tarsus made him familiar with the Greek language and culture, his training in Jewish theology helped him connect the Old Testament with the Gospel.

 • When retelling his conversion later to King Agrippa, Paul said Jesus told him, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." (Acts 26:14, ) A goad was a sharp stick used to control oxen or cattle. Some interpret this as meaning Paul had pangs of conscience when persecuting the Church. Others believe Jesus meant that it was futile to try to oppress the Church. • Paul's life-changing experience on the Damascus Road led to his baptism and instruction in the Christian faith. He became the most determined of the apostles, suffering brutal physical pain, persecution, and finally martyrdom. He revealed his secret of enduring a lifetime of hardship for the Gospel: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

 (Phil.4:13 ) (Excerpt: christianity.about.com)