Paul: A Profound Conversion

About this article

This is a reflection on about conversion and how conversion is being enlightened by the truth of God.
[Saul] heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts of the Apostles 9:4)
It was on his way to Damascus that Paul was struck down by God and blinded. A brilliant light from heaven surrounded Paul, and he heard a voice accusing Paul of persecuting him. When Paul asked who it was he was persecuting, Paul was astounded to discover that in persecuting Christians he was actually persecuting Jesus. Afterward, Paul underwent a profound conversion and was baptized.

Dramatic conversions happen even today--not by being struck down by a great light, but by being enlightened. Once we have become aware of a new truth, we cannot go back to our previous way of living. We must move ahead, growing stronger in this new way of seeing the world.

When has a new awareness led you to act differently?
God, you continually call me to conversion; let me be open to seeing your truth.
  • To go deeper: Read Acts of the Apostles 9:1–19.

    • Acknowledgments

    (This activity is taken from Day by Day with People of the Bible: Reflections for Teens]. Copyright © 2008 by Saint Mary's Press. Permission is granted for this activity to be used for classroom or campus ministry purposes. This activity may not be republished in any form without written permission from Saint Mary's Press. To order this book, contact Saint Mary's Press at 800-533-8095, or visit our online catalog at www.smp.org/catalog.cfm.)

    Published July 2, 2008.