Conversion (Acts 9)

This week, we turn to a well-known passage: the conversion of Saul (whom we know as Paul).

What should we do when we come across familiar scriptures? We should step back and attempt to read or listen to them from a fresh perspective—as if encountering them for the first time.

Why? Because every time we engage with Scripture, it should transform us.

That brings us to our word of the day: Conversion.

One scholar writes,

“Conversion is the beginning of the Christian journey, not its final destination… Conversion is not for the smug individual possession of the convert, but rather for the ongoing thrust of the gospel… God is the chief actor in all Lukan accounts of conversion.”

Conversion is God’s work in our lives—constantly transforming us into His likeness through Jesus Christ. But let’s be clear: conversion does not mean everything will suddenly become easy.

Take Saul (Paul), for example. He spent years proving that Jesus was at work in his life. His transformation had a profound impact on those around him.

Today, let’s look at this story through a different lens—the perspective of one of Saul’s traveling companions as they journeyed toward Damascus.

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Through the Eyes of One of Saul’s Companions

“We had just received the letters from the high priest. Saul was still burning with rage against these people who followed Jesus. But something about him had changed since Stephen’s stoning.

We knew exactly what we were looking for—those who belonged to the Way. We knew exactly where to find them. How dare these people claim Judaism was wrong? How dare they say that a dead man was alive? They had to be stopped before they convinced everyone.

I will admit, though—something about these Jesus-followers was different. Their lives were transformed. But how could someone who wasn’t even here anymore have that kind of influence? Couldn’t they see the chaos they were causing by speaking about Jesus? Our cities were being turned upside down!

Order had to be restored. That was our mission.

We had heard about synagogues and houses in Damascus where people were worshipping Jesus. We knew exactly where to go. And with the high priest’s letters in hand, we had the authority to carry out our mission. That gave me confidence—we weren’t acting alone. We had the law on our side.

The road to Damascus stretched before us. We had been walking for some time, discussing what we would do once we found these people. We were ready.

Then, out of nowhere—a blinding light!

There was something different about this light. Saul dropped to the ground. We froze. None of us knew what was happening.

We tried to move closer, but something held us back. We tried to speak to Saul, but he wasn’t listening to us. Instead, we heard him cry out, “Who are you, Lord?”

This was strange. We saw nothing in the light, but there were sounds—words spoken—but we couldn’t make out what was being said.

And then, just as quickly as it came, the light was gone.

Saul was still on the ground. He was panicked—he kept saying he was blind.

We helped him up, and he was grateful we were still there. But something about him had changed. He was different. We couldn’t explain it, but we felt it.

He insisted that we continue to Damascus. We were still on a mission, after all. But something else had shifted—Saul kept talking about someone named Ananias. We knew him—he was one of the followers of the Way. We were ready to arrest him.

But then Saul said something we never expected.

“I must go to Ananias,” he told us. “He will pray for me, and I will receive my sight again.”

What?

We were confused. But Saul was still our leader, so we followed his orders.

When we arrived in Damascus, we waited outside as Saul entered Ananias’ house. We watched as Ananias cautiously checked his surroundings, making sure no one saw Saul enter. And then, we waited.

After some time, Saul emerged.

His sight had returned.

But it wasn’t just his eyes that had changed—he had changed.

“Jesus is the true Messiah,” Saul told us. “He is the one I encountered in that great light. He is alive.”

Our leader—Saul, the devoted Pharisee—was now proclaiming Jesus.

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How Do We Know When Someone Has Been Converted?

Have you ever considered what Saul’s companions experienced? They witnessed something life-altering, even if they didn’t fully understand it.

So how do we recognize when someone has had a true conversion experience?

Some say conversion happens the moment we believe in Jesus. While belief is part of it, conversion is a process, not a single moment.

Look at the text:

Saul encountered Jesus on the road.

From that moment, he believed Jesus was the Messiah.

But his transformation continued in Damascus—through Ananias, through prayer, through baptism.

What experience led you to believe that Jesus is the rightful King?

But Saul wasn’t the only one who needed conversion.

Ananias had to be converted—from fear and prejudice to obedience and trust.

Saul’s companions were confronted with something beyond their understanding.

Saul himself had to move from being a Pharisee and persecutor to becoming a follower and missionary of Jesus.

Conversion isn’t just about a moment—it’s about what happens next.

Encountering the Presence of Christ

Friends, this is what happens when we truly experience Jesus.

His Holy Spirit breathes new life into us.

We become part of His family.

We become part of His mission.

The Spirit convicts. The Spirit transforms. The Spirit calls us to something greater.

So here’s the question:

How will you respond when the Holy Spirit convicts you?

Will you say, “Yes, Lord, my King, I will follow You completely!”

Or will you respond with indifference, thinking you already know enough?

This is one of the reasons I love going to the mountains. There is a majesty in that setting that I cannot escape—a presence that pulls me into an experience with God. Every time, I walk away different. There have been moments when I have been stopped in my tracks, confronted by the Spirit, and challenged to grow in faith.

So what about you?

What if, as you walk out these doors today, the Holy Spirit stops you in your tracks?

What if He is speaking to you, calling you to something deeper?

Are you ready to experience the presence and power of the Spirit?

Are you ready to be changed?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (You can also ask your own questions or begin a discussion starter)

• What stands out to you in this scripture? In other words, what is the Holy Spirit impressing on you to notice?

• What did the early church/apostles do in this scripture? How do you see Jesus working in this picture? How can you translate this for today?

• How is our church mission and culture the same from the early church mission and culture? How is it different?

• What challenges you in this scripture? Why? How might the Spirit be leading you?

• Take time to pray about what the Spirit is leading you to do. Are you being led to do something within or through this church because of the Spirit’s word in this scripture? What would that look like? How could you begin?

• What can you do, today, to be more in tune with the Spirit’s leading in this passage?

HOMEWORK: CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH THE “TRANSFORMATION 1:8” BOOK CHALLENGE