The last shout had rung out, the last stone had been cast, the last robe gathered up. The pile of stones rose conspicuously, hiding the man crushed beneath them but leaving the vision of the man burned into his memory. The man's declaration hung in the air: Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand! He shook himself vigorously. "What blasphemy!" he muttered.
Turning away from the stirring scene, he followed the crowd of men returning to the city. He quickened his steps and drew his robe closer about him. As he reached the group, a notable pharisee stepped up beside him. "Well done son", he said, "you did well today. A promotion is certainly coming your way. How do you feel about taking the lead with dealing with the rest of these blasphemous Christians?"
"Me? It would be a great honour Rabbi. I will hunt them down from house to house. I will drag them out, both men and women, and will throw them into prison. I will destroy them all! Just you wait and see!"
In the days that followed, he was very troubled. It certainly seemed like God was present there with the martyr as he was stoned. Maybe he was right. Earnestly he sought for wisdom and answers from the priests and rulers. After listening to many arguments, he finally decided that the priests and scribes were right. The stoned man was a blasphemer. The Christ that he preached was an impostor. Closing his ears to the voice of his conscience, he devoted himself to his mission of destroying all the followers of this way.
Months had passed, during which time he had been very busy. He hurried through the streets of Jerusalem towards the agreed meeting place. His mission had been very successful but it was not enough. It was time to expand beyond the walls of Jerusalem. Therefore he was on his way to meet with the high priest.
"Sir," he cried, "I have been faithful in executing the mission given to me after the stoning of that blasphemous man. Many followers of this so-called Christ have been put to death. Nevertheless, reports are circulating that these Christians have scattered from Jerusalem to many other towns. In fact, I have it on good account that there is a large group of them growing in Damascus. Therefore, I pray that you will give me letters that I may go to Damascus, arrest these people and drag them back here to Jerusalem in chains that we may properly deal with them."
"I will give you the letters," he replied. "Go with the Lord's blessing to vindicate his honour."
It was the sixth, and last, day of his journey. As he crested the hill around midday, he could see the city of Damascus stretched out before him in the valley below. Throughout the journey he had had ample opportunity to think about his mission, how it had started and to where it had reached. He thought once again of the stoning. The sermon that lead to the stoning had been very convincing. He had almost been persuaded to believe, but how could all the religious leaders be so wrong? No, they had to be right. He must continue to be faithful in his mission to purify the nation from this blasphemy.
Suddenly a bright light, brighter than the sun, shone all around him. In terror he fell prostrate to the ground. As he lay there motionless, he heard a voice cry out: "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will."
"Who are you, lord?" he gasped.
"I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." was the startling reply.
The light faded and his men, recovering from their shock, gathered around his prostrate form. They helped him to his feet, but soon realised he was totally blind. Therefore, leading him by the hand they brought him into the city. After making enquiries, they brought him to the house of Judas on the main street of the city, Straight Street.
Three days later, three days where he refused to eat or drink, there came a knock at the door. A man named Ananias was brought in to Saul. "Brother Saul," Ananias greeted warmly, "the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Instantly, something like scales fell from his eyes and his sight was restored. Rising up, he was baptized and then sat down to eat some food and regain his strength.
References: Acts 7:56; Acts 8:3; Acts 9:1-19; Acts 26:12-18; Acts of the Apostles by Ellen White pp. 112-122.
