Saul is praying. Saul has repented. He’s no longer breathing threats. He must have worked out that God appearing to him on the road and the voice answering that it was Jesus meant that it was true that Jesus was the Son of God.

I wonder if in those days God started putting the Scriptures together for him showing Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah. Saul knew the Scriptures well. God had prepared him for his role.

God didn’t just prepare Saul by having him learn the Scriptures. Part of his preparation was persecuting the church, just like part of Peter’s preparation was denying Jesus.

God doesn’t cause them to sin, but He allows them to see what’s in their hearts without Him.

Saul will lay down his life for the church he was persecuting.

God kindly shows Paul that a man named Ananias is coming to lay hands on him so that he might regain sight.

God does not need someone to lay hands on him. But he uses people. Ananias has to submit to this plan. He definitely balks at first and points out that Saul came there to arrest people like him. But God says, “Go.” Our excuses should never be what decide our actions. We go on faith, not on reasoning.

Ananias demonstrates for Paul believer’s baptism and the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit. Paul is getting trained.

Saul is welcomed by the disciples and starts preaching in the synagogues, proving Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, Redeemer, King, and Savior of Israel.

It doesn’t take long for Saul to experience persecution. He escapes, but he’s not so welcome in Jerusalem. Barnabas comes to his aid and tells the apostles about his bold preaching in Damascus.

The conversion of this chief persecutor brings a time of peace for the church, and the church is built up again instead of being scattered.

The disciples feared the Lord and had the comfort of the Holy Spirit. The fear of the Lord brings comfort. It’s a good thing.