Damascus

Saul had obtained letters from the high priest authorizing him to arrest any followers of 'the Way' he found in Damascus synagogues and bring them bound to Jerusalem. The early church had spread to Damascus, and Saul was zealously persecuting Christians. He described himself as 'breathing threats and murder' against the disciples.

As Saul approached Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' When Saul asked who was speaking, the voice replied, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.' Saul was struck blind and had to be led by hand into the city, where he fasted for three days until Ananias came.

After Saul began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, the Jews in Damascus plotted to kill him. They watched the city gates day and night. But his disciples took him by night and lowered him through an opening in the wall in a large basket. Paul later recalled this humiliating escape in his letters.