Acts 22:6-11

Summary retelling of Acts 22:6-11

Paul continues his story.  He says that as he drew near to Damascus he was surrounded by a bright light.  As he fell to the ground he heard a great voice asking him why he was persecuting the owner of the voice.  Paul asked who was speaking to him, and the voice replied that it was Jesus of Nazareth who was speaking to him.  Paul also says that his companions saw the light but did not understand the voice.  Paul asks what he can do.  The voice tells him to go to Damascus and await being told what to do.  Since had been blinded by the light, his companions had to lead him by his hand into Damascus.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Although we read this story a dozen chapters ago, I am still struck by how strange it sounds.  Paul is struck by a bright light that leaves him blinded.  Paul hears a disembodied voice.  The people with him see the light but are unaffected by it; they hear the sound of the voice but it is unintelligible to them.  The whole story sounds strange and supernatural.  But Paul is not afraid of the story.  Paul is devoted to the truth.  It does not matter how strange the truth is to this world, the world needs to hear the truth.

Do you ever let the strangeness of the power of God in our lives ever keep you from talking about God’s work in your life?  Why do human beings care whether or not something sounds strange or not?

Second Thought:

Jesus pulls absolutely no punches with Paul.  Jesus asks Paul about the persecution.  He doesn’t cut Paul any slack at all.  When Paul retells the story, he doesn’t cut himself any slack, either.  He doesn’t try to make himself out to be the victim.  He doesn’t try to justify his actions.  He was wrong, Jesus called him on it, and that needed to come out as well.  Only through Paul seeing just how wrong he was could he experience repentance.

Have you ever had someone force you to confess – or at least force you to talk honestly about what you have done or said in the past?  How did that feel?  Why is honesty and a proper perspective such an important part of repentance and forgiveness?

Third Thought:

Paul talks about being blinded and needing to be led by the hand.  Here is the great up-and-coming member of the Sanhedrin reduced to almost nothing.  He was once self-reliant and now he is totally dependent.  Once again, Paul doesn’t paint himself in any light but the truth.  He doesn’t cut himself any slack here, either.

Do you respect Paul any more for being able to talk honestly about his prior mistakes?  Why do we tend to respect people who can speak honestly more than those who always trying to talk about themselves as if they never have any fault?  How can you learn to speak more truthfully and own your prior mistakes?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 22:12-16