Daily Bible Plan

19th May 2025

Devotion by Pastor Joseph Antwi

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

A Damascus Encounter - From Saul to Paul

Devotion by Pastor Joseph Antwi

Scripture:

Acts 9:4-5“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”“Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.

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Devotion:

Introduction

Today, we want to pause and take a closer look at the life and transformation of Paul—formerly known as Saul—before we continue exploring his letters in our discipleship journey.

During a recent discipleship class, I noticed that some people didn’t fully understand Paul’s background. In fact, a few thought Paul was one of Jesus’ original disciples, but he wasn’t. He never walked with Jesus before the crucifixion. Paul came into the picture after Jesus had ascended. His story is not only dramatic but foundational to understanding the depth of grace and redemption found in the gospel.

If this devotion speaks to you, please leave a comment at the bottom of this website and share it with 10 people. Let’s spread the Word together!

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1. Saul’s Misguided Zeal

Open your Bibles to Acts 7:58 and Acts 8:3. Read silently.

We first encounter Saul at the stoning of Stephen. He’s not just a bystander; he actively approves of Stephen’s execution and guards the clothes of those who carried it out.

In Acts 8:3, Saul becomes a one-man army against the Church. He begins ravaging it—dragging men and women from their homes and throwing them into prison.

At this point, Saul is full of zeal. But it’s a zeal without knowledge. He thinks he’s serving God, but in truth, he’s hurting God’s people—the very body of Christ.

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2. The Encounter on the Road

Open your Bibles to Acts 9:1–9. Read silently.

Still breathing threats and murder, Saul sets off to Damascus to arrest more believers. But on the way, he is struck down by a light from heaven. He hears a voice calling his name:

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

He responds,

“Who are You, Lord?”

And the voice replies,

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

Right there, Saul is struck blind.

I personally believe the reason Saul was blinded was because he wasn’t seeing clearly in the first place. Spiritually, he was in darkness. He thought he was working for God, yet he was fighting against Jesus.

This is a strong lesson for us. Sometimes, in our zeal or religious passion, we end up opposing the very move of God. We may believe we’re doing the right thing, but we’re actually hurting the heart of Jesus.

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3. A Personal Reflection

I’ve often prayed, “Lord, give me and others a Damascus experience.” Because it’s clear—when people are spiritually blind, they need more than debate; they need an encounter.

One year after we started Fortified City Church, I began praying this specific prayer for someone close to me. They weren’t seeing God clearly and were resistant to what God was doing in their life. I kept praying:

“Lord, just like Saul, give this person a Damascus moment. Let their spiritual eyes be opened.”

And guess what? God answered that prayer.

Today, that person is a leader in the church. Hallelujah!

You may also be praying for a friend, a spouse, a child, a parent. Don’t give up. God still meets people on the road. He still opens blind eyes.

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4. The Turning Point

Open your Bibles to Acts 9:10–19. Read silently.

In Damascus, the Lord appears in a vision to a disciple named Ananias and tells him to go lay hands on Saul. Ananias is reluctant—he’s heard of Saul’s violent reputation—but he obeys.

When he lays hands on Saul, something like scales falls from Saul’s eyes. He regains his sight, is baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit.

This moment was a divine shift. Saul’s old identity was stripped away, and his new calling began to take shape. From persecutor to preacher, from destroyer to disciple.

As for me, I remember seasons in my early walk with Christ when I made immature decisions, lacking spiritual clarity. I often prayed,

“Lord, give me a Damascus experience. Help me see things from Your perspective.”

And the Lord answered. He began to open my spiritual eyes and gave me deeper understanding. Sometimes that’s what we all need—a divine encounter to truly see.

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5. From Persecutor to Preacher

Open your Bibles to Acts 9:20–22. Read silently.

after his conversion, Saul begins preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. The same man who once hunted Christians now boldly proclaims the gospel. Everyone is astonished. How could this be the same person?

This is what happens when God touches a life. He not only forgives and restores, but He sends us out with a new mission.

If God could transform Saul into Paul, He can do it for your loved ones. He can do it for the hardest heart, the most resistant mind. He can do it for that person who looks too far gone.

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Final Encouragement

Who are you praying for today?

Who in your life needs a Damascus encounter?

Don’t stop interceding. Keep trusting. God still meets people on their personal roads to Damascus. He still turns persecutors into preachers, doubters into believers, rebels into leaders.

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Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the story of Saul. It reminds us that no one is too far gone for Your grace. I pray for every person I’m interceding for—give them a Damascus encounter. Open their eyes, soften their hearts, and reveal Yourself to them. And for me, Lord, sharpen my spiritual vision. Let me walk fully in Your light. Amen.

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Action Step:

Who are you praying for today? Write their name down. Begin interceding daily for a Damascus experience in their life.

Then, open your Bible and read Acts 7:58 - 9:22

Underline the verses that speak directly to you. Reflect and share your insights in the church group chat.

Finally, share this devotion with 10 people. Let’s believe for more Damascus encounters in our generation.

Loads of love,

Pastor Joseph Antwi

For prayer & counseling send message to WhatsApp: +41796636324