The Conversion of Saul

9 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them to Jerusalem as prisoners. 3 As he was going along, he drew near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are yoʋ persecuting me?” 5 Saul said, “Who are yoʋ, Lord?” [fn]The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom yoʋ are [fn]persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and yoʋ will be told what yoʋ must do.” 7 The men who were traveling with Saul stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were open, he saw [fn]no one. So they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. 9 He went three days without seeing, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He said, “Behold, here I am, Lord.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. For behold, he is praying, 12 and [fn]in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his [fn]hand on him so that he might receive his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about how much evil this man has done to yoʋr saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call upon yoʋr name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a vessel chosen by me to bring my name before Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.” 17 So Ananias went and entered the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the [fn]Lord, who appeared to yoʋ on the road by which yoʋ came, has sent me so that yoʋ may receive yoʋr sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he [fn]received his sight. Then he rose and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he was strengthened.