This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 9:1-19, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
There was a man named Saul who didn’t like people who believed in Jesus. In fact, he gave them threats and murder the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and got a special letter to take with him to a place called Damascus so he could continue to hurt them. Saul planned to use this letter to capture anyone who followed Jesus and take them back to Jerusalem to be punished.
But on the way to Damascus, suddenly a bright light shone around Saul and he fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
The people who were with Saul didn’t know what to say because they could hear a voice, but they couldn’t see anyone around them. Saul got up from the ground, but he couldn’t see anything, even though his eyes were open. So, his friends had to hold his hand and guide him to Damascus. For three days, Saul couldn’t see anything and didn’t eat or drink anything either.
Meanwhile, in the city of Damascus, there was a man named Ananias who loved Jesus. One day, Jesus spoke to Ananias in a vision and told him to go find Saul.
Ananias was surprised because he knew Saul was evil to Jesus’ followers. But Jesus told Ananias, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
So Ananias went to Saul and prayed for him saying, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Suddenly, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.
Saul got baptized and ate some food to feel better. From then on, Saul started telling everyone about Jesus, even in the synagogues where people didn’t always like what he had to say. But Saul didn’t care because he knew that Jesus was worth it.
Biblical Lessons
- God can use even the most unlikely people to do great things for His kingdom.
- When we follow God, we may face difficulties and persecution, but God will always be with us.
- God’s grace and mercy are available to everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or sins.
- When we encounter God in a powerful way, it can transform our lives and change our priorities.
- Following Jesus means surrendering our own will and plans to God’s will and plans for our lives.
Related Stories
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
The Cost of Discipleship
A penetrating look at Jesus' call to follow Him, contrasting cheap grace with true, costly discipleship.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon