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.