From Blindness to Belonging: The Conversion of Paul
Scripture: Acts 9:1–22; Matthew 19:27–29
There are few stories in Scripture as dramatic, unsettling, and hope-filled as the conversion of Saul, who would later be known as Paul. In Acts 9, we meet Saul making threats of murder against the followers of Jesus. He is convinced he is right. He is confident. He is religious. And yet, he is completely blind to the truth. He is convinced that what he's doing, persecuting Christians, is to the glory of God. Saul's story reminds us that it is possible to be sincere and still be wrong!
On the road to Damascus, everything changes. A light from heaven flashes around him, and Saul falls to the ground. He hears a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” When Saul asks who is speaking, the answer shatters his world: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” In that moment, Saul’s certainty collapses. The man who thought he saw clearly is struck blind, led by the hand into the city, and left waiting—helpless and humbled.
This story matters because it reminds us that faith is not about having it all figured out. Saul was educated, passionate, and devoted, yet profoundly wrong. Today, we also live in a world full of strong opinions, loud voices, and certainty. We are encouraged to defend our views, protect our identities, and stand firm when challenged. The conversion of Saul confronts us with a hard truth: sincerity does not equal righteousness, and zeal does not guarantee truth. We can see these traits in our daily news reports.
Saul’s blindness is not just physical—it is spiritual. And that is where this story begins to touch our lives. We may not persecute Christians, but we often resist surrender. We want Jesus as Saviour, but not always as Lord.
God, however, meets Saul not with destruction, but with grace. Jesus interrupts his journey, not to end his life, but to transform it. And notice how God works: He involves Ananias, an ordinary believer who is afraid, hesitant, and unsure. God tells Ananias to go to Saul—the man who has caused so much pain. This reminds us that conversion and healing often come through the obedience of others. God uses imperfect people to restore sight, speak truth, and welcome the newly transformed into community.
When Saul regains his sight, he is baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and immediately begins to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God. The transformation is undeniable. The persecutor becomes the preacher. The enemy becomes family.
This is where Matthew 19:27–29 helps us understand the cost and the promise of conversion. Peter asks Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you. What then will there be for us?” Jesus responds by acknowledging the sacrifice but also promising something greater: that anyone who leaves behind houses, family, or security for His sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life.
Saul’s life is a living example of this promise. He loses status, safety, and approval. But he gains purpose, freedom, and belonging in Christ. Conversion costs him everything—and gives him more than he could ever imagine.
Why is this important now? Because our world is hungry for real transformation, not polished religion but changed lives. Saul's conversion reminds us that faith is not about perfection, it's about obedience and grace. When we allow Christ to interrupt us, to question us and to lead us, our lives become testimonies not of who we were but who God wants us to be.
In my own life and calling I can recognise elements of this. I argued with God. I was convinced I was right, that I was being a good Christian doing all that I could, that I didn’t need to be an ordained priest, but in truth what I was resisting was surrendering to God's will and God's plan for me.
Until quite recently I was still asking God to clear a path for me, to change my career as I felt this was where I could best serve my calling. Becoming frustrated when it didn't happen but in truth I was asking God to clear MY PATH, not his. Although not as dramatic as Saul’s conversion, the realisation of this has brought with it grace, and my obedience has brought peace and a real sense of I am where God wants me to be, where I belong and can best serve him.
God is still asking us to leave things behind today. Maybe not a physical road to Damascus but familiar roads of comfort, fear, resentment or self-reliance. He asks us to trust him with our future, to love when it is hard to forgive and when it might feel undeserved. To speak truth and humility and to live our faith openly in a world that often resists it.
This is deeply relevant for all of us today. Following Christ still costs something. It may cost comfort, familiar habits, or relationships. It may mean rethinking how we use our money, our time, or our voices online. It may mean letting go of the version of ourselves that felt in control. But Jesus reminds us that nothing surrendered to Him is ever truly lost.
Saul’s conversion also gives hope to those who think they are too far gone—or those who pray for someone they love who seems unreachable. If God can stop Saul on the road to Damascus, He can meet anyone, anywhere. No heart is beyond grace. No past is too heavy.
Finally, this story invites us to ask ourselves an honest question: Where might we still be blind? What road are we traveling that Jesus may want to interrupt? Conversion is not just a one-time event—it is a lifelong turning toward Christ.
May we, like Saul, be willing to be stopped, humbled, and transformed. And may we trust that whatever we give up for Christ, He will redeem for His glory and our good.
Amen.