January 25 | The Conversion of Saint Paul

St. Paul is perhaps one of the most well-known saints and writers of the New Testament. However, he would not have made these contributions to the faith if it were not for his dramatic conversion to the faith.

St. Paul was originally named Saul. He grew up as a devout Jew and Roman citizen, he received a good education and learned the trade of tent making. Saul became a Pharisee after his schooling. During the Roman persecution of Christians, Saul was present at many of the martyrdoms, including St. Stephen’s. As St. Stephen was being stoned, he prayed for those who persecuted him, including Saul. 

Saul’s conversion happened as he was on the road to Damascus to arrest Christians and take them back to Jerusalem for a trial. However, on the road he was met with a blinding light and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Paul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Saul left this experience blinded. The men who were traveling with Saul were astonished as they heard the voice but saw nothing. His companions led him to Damascus and Saul refused to eat and was without his eyesight for three days.

Once in Damascus, the Lord called the disciples Ananias to go to meet Saul, however Ananias was hesitant, knowing of the things that Saul had done to the Christians, yet he listened to the Lord nonetheless. Ananias laid hands on Saul and prayed for the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was then that Saul regained his eyesight and immediately began preaching the Gospel of Christ. Saul changed his name to Paul and spent the rest of his life proclaiming the Good News and being the “Apostle to the Genties.”

St. Paul, pray for us.