Acts 9:3

Modern

As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

Traditional

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

Literal

Now in going, it came to pass that he drew near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

Latin

Et cum iter faceret, contigit ut appropinquaret Damasco: et subito circumfulsit eum lux de cælo.

Greek

English

As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road is central to the story in Acts. Luke tells the story three times (also 22:1–21; 26:1–29). Paul (Saul) mentions this experience several times in his letters (1 Corinthians 15:8–10; Galatians 1:11–17; Philippians 3:4–11; see 1 Timothy 1:12–17). Saul’s conversion was his call as a prophet and commission as an apostle (Acts 9:15; 22:15, 21; 26:15–18). No one is beyond God's power to reach, save, and use for holy purposes. Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). God prepared Paul through his training, childhood, and experience to play a unique role in proclaiming the gospel to the wider world as the “apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13; see 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 12:11–12; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 3:8).

Theme notes and profiles

1 Corinthians 15:8
And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.
Acts 26:12–13
In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
Acts 22:6
About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.
Revelation 21:23
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.
1 Timothy 6:16
He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
Psalm 104:2
He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,
Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.
Acts 9:17
So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Damascus: Ancient city, capital of Syria, important in biblical history