Paul's Conversion — Bible story for kids

Saul of Tarsus was sure he was right. He fiercely opposed the followers of Jesus, who were known as people of the Way. He went to the high priest and received letters giving him authority to arrest believers in Damascus. With companions beside him and the letters in his keeping, Saul traveled north, determined to bring Christian men and women back to Jerusalem as prisoners.

As they came near Damascus, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly flooded the road. Saul fell to the ground. His companions stood speechless. They heard a sound, but they saw no one.

A voice said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” the voice replied. Then Jesus told Saul to enter the city and wait to be told what to do.

Saul rose from the ground and opened his eyes, but he could see nothing. His companions took him by the hand and led him through the gates of Damascus. They brought him to the house of a man named Judas on the street called Straight. For three days Saul remained blind. He ate nothing and drank nothing. He prayed.

In Damascus, the Lord spoke in a vision to a disciple named Ananias. He told Ananias where to find Saul and commanded him to go. Ananias hesitated. He had heard how much harm Saul had done to the believers in Jerusalem. He also knew Saul had come to Damascus with authority to arrest them.

But the Lord said, “Go, for he is my chosen vessel.” Saul would carry the name of Jesus before nations, kings, and the people of Israel.

So Ananias obeyed. He entered the house, placed his hands on Saul, and called him “Brother Saul.” Ananias explained that Jesus, who had appeared on the road, had sent him so Saul could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

At once, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. He could see! Saul rose and was baptized. Then he ate and regained his strength.

Soon Saul began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone who heard him was amazed. Was this not the man who had attacked those who called on Jesus’ name? Yet Saul grew stronger in his faith and showed that Jesus is the Christ. When enemies plotted to kill him, the believers helped him escape Damascus by lowering him in a basket through an opening in the city wall.

In Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid of Saul. They could hardly believe he had truly become a disciple. But Barnabas welcomed him. He brought Saul to the apostles and explained how Saul had seen the Lord on the road, how Jesus had spoken to him, and how Saul had preached boldly in Damascus.

Saul continued speaking courageously about Jesus. The man who had hunted believers had become a defender of their faith. Meanwhile, the church enjoyed peace, grew stronger, and continued to increase through the comfort of the Holy Spirit.