Was Saul saved on the road to Damascus?

There is a common belief among Christian’s today that Saul was saved on the road to Damascus. The conversion account of Saul, later known as Paul the apostle, is well documented in Scripture. In fact, there are three accounts of his conversion that are candidates to consider if Saul was saved on the road to Damascus. They are all three found in Acts. The first is Luke’s narrative in Acts 9¹. The other two accounts are retellings by Paul himself – one in Acts 22² and the other in Acts 26³. Each one gives particular details or highlights certain aspects, but all three harmonize.

With these three accountings, we have an excellent opportunity to consider the sum of God’s word for truth (Psalms 119:160).

how Scripture answers "Was Saul saved on the road to Damascus?"

Saul was not saved on the road to Damascus since he was only told by Jesus³ to go on to the city for further instructions^1,2 after asking, “What shall I do?”². He was then in Damascus for three days praying and without sight^1,2…but still not told what to do…and still not saved. Then Ananias found him and laid his hands on Saul so that he would receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit…but he’s still not saved. Finally, Ananias then tells him not to delay, but to immediately “be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”² Saul was then baptized^1,2, even before taking food¹. It was at this point, having his sins washed away, that Saul was saved.

Consolidating the three accounts for a complete narrative

Saul is traveling to Damascus^1,2,3 under the authority of the chief priests^1,2,3 in order to arrest Christians^1,2. While on the road, he sees a vision of the risen Jesus^1,2,3 and is blinded^1,2 by it. Jesus tells him that He’s appearing to him “to appoint you as a servant and witness”³ (his companions hear¹, but don’t understand the voice²). After hearing this, Saul asks Jesus, “What shall I do, Lord?”² Jesus tells him to continue on to the city where someone will give him instructions^1,2. So, he is led into the city^1,2 and is there for three days without his sight, praying¹ and apparently fasting².

Meanwhile, Ananias, a disciple in Damascus^1,2, also sees a vision telling him where to find Saul¹. He’s told that Saul is praying and that he has seen a vision of Ananias laying his hands on him so that he might regain his sight¹. Ananias isn’t excited about going^{¹, but in order to assuage his apprehension, Ananias is also told a little about what Saul will do for the kingdom¹.}

When Ananias finds Saul^1,2, he lays his hands on him¹ so that he might regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit¹. It’s just then that Saul regains his sight^1,2. Ananias then tells Saul not to wait, but to “rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”² He then is baptized and eats food to be strengthened¹ (apparently, he was also fasting those three days).

the answer above is built on and footnoted with the following scripture-blocks

1

Acts 9:3-6

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.

What does it say?

Saul (e.g. Paul) is on his way to Damascus when he encounters Jesus in a vision. Jesus asks him why he is persecuting him and tells him to enter the city where he will be told what to do.

What is the context?

Saul is a zealous, Jewish Pharisee and a leader of the persecution of this relatively new faith in Jesus the Christ. After arriving in Damascus, he meets Ananias, whol also had a vision from Jesus to meet Saul (vss 10-11). Ananias is the one that tells Saul what he must do (vss 17-19).

Also told by Paul before the Jewish crowd (22:3-16) and again by Paul before Agrippa (26:12-18).

How does it inform?

Luke’s third-person account of Saul’s conversion. While on the road to Damascus, Saul is told in a vision to go to the city where he would be “told what you are to do”. Once there, Ananias tells him what he must do.

!! study note: context is extra important here !!

Luke’s entire account covers verses 1-19.

Does it apply? Yes

3

Acts 26:12-13

In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.

What does it say?

Connected with this, I traveled to Damascus by the authority of the chief priests. At noon, O King, I saw a light brighter than the sun coming from heaven that shone around me and my companions.

What is the context?

Paul has been arrested (21:33) upon his return to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey. He is giving his defense to King Agrippa and recounting his conversion story before appealing to Caesar as a Roman citizen and being taken to Rome.

Also told by Luke (9:1-19) and the first time by Paul before the Jewish crowd (22:3-16).

How does it inform?

Paul’s second personal account, this time before King Agrippa (verses 12-18). This account details more of what Jesus told him when he was blinded on the road. It says nothing of what happened in Damascus.

Does it apply? Somewhat

end of scripture-blocks; go back to the answer

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