Table of Contents

Introduction

Conversion Narratives

Similarities and Dissimilarities between Paul’s Conversion Accounts

Dimensions of Paul’s Conversion

Conclusion

Sources and Bibliography

Introduction

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a prominent figure in early Christianity and played a significant role in spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Paul was born in Tarsus (in modern-day Turkey) around the first century AD. He was a Jewish Pharisee, a Roman citizen, and a highly educated man, having studied under the famous rabbi Gamaliel.

Paul is well-known for his dramatic and sensational conversion to Christianity, as described in the Book of Acts. He went from being a zealous persecutor of early Christians to becoming a passionate and influential advocate for the Christian faith after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Concerning missionary work, Paul is often referred to as the ‘Apostle to the Gentiles’ because he played a significant role in spreading Christianity to non-Jewish populations. His missionary journeys, as recorded in the Book of Acts, took him throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, where he founded and nurtured numerous Christian communities.

His letters, known as the Pauline epistles, form a significant portion of the New Testament. In these writings, he expounds on important Christian theological concepts, including salvation by grace through faith, justification, sanctification, and the role of Christ in redemption. His writings have had a profound influence on Christian theology and continue to be studied and interpreted by theologians and scholars. Paul was recognized as an authoritative figure in the early Christian church. His leadership and teachings were respected by many early Christian communities, and he played a vital role in resolving theological and practical issues that arose within the early church.

While the New Testament provides insights into Paul’s character, including his passion for his mission and his unwavering dedication to Christ, it also reveals glimpses of his more personal traits. For example, he displayed qualities such as compassion, affection for fellow believers, and a sense of humor (as seen in some of his letters). Paul’s life was marked by significant challenges and hardships. He endured persecution, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and other trials while remaining steadfast in his faith and commitment to spreading the gospel.

The conversion of Paul, as described in the New Testament, is primarily known from Christian sources, specifically the writings of Paul himself and the Book of Acts. There are no non-Christian, contemporary historical records that independently confirm this account. While this is not unusual for events from the ancient world, it can be challenging for those who seek external corroboration. His conversion is foundational to Christian theology and apologetics, as it is often used to demonstrate the power of God to transform lives and the authenticity of the Christian message. However, this reliance on a personal revelation can be challenging for those who follow different religious traditions or have different beliefs.

This article aims at examining Paul’s conversion records from various perspectives, including historical, theological, and literary analyses. While the accounts of Paul’s conversion in the New Testament are primarily understood as foundational narratives for Christian faith, scholars have explored different aspects of these accounts and their implications.

Conversion Narratives

Saul, a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most significant figures in the early Christian church, playing a central role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. His conversion experience is often cited as a powerful example of God’s ability to change the hearts and lives of even the most vehement opponents of the faith. According to New Testament records, there are three accounts of Paul’s conversion in the book of Acts and another in Galatians:

First, in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:1-19), a detailed account of Paul’s conversion was given by the author, popularly known to be Luke. According to Acts, Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee who persecuted early Christians. He had a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, where he was struck blind by a bright light from heaven and heard the voice of Jesus. He was then led to Damascus, where he met a Christian named Ananias, who laid hands on him, and his sight was restored. After this encounter, Saul became a believer and changed his name to Paul. He went on to become one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church.

Second, Acts 22:3-5 presents Paul’s Pre-conversion Life including his identification with Judaism, his zealous persecution of Christians, introduction of Gamaliel as Paul’s teacher. Acts 22:6-11 presents the Damascus Road Encounter. Here, Paul’s journey to Damascus narrative includes the sudden appearance of a light, Jesus’ words to Paul, and Paul’s response and submission. Acts 22:12-16 presents Ananias and Paul’s Anointing. Here, Ananias’ role in Paul’s conversion, Ananias’ initial reluctance, the laying on of hands and the filling of the Holy Spirit, and Paul’s baptism and symbolic cleansing are included. Paul’s Commission is presented in Acts 22:17-21. This reveals the commissioning of Paul as a witness to the Gentiles. By implication, this account presents the transformation of a persecutor into an apostle and the broader implications for the mission to the gentiles.

Third, Paul’s defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26:12-18, Paul recounts his conversion experience while giving his defense before King Agrippa. He describes how he was persecuting Christians and was confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus. This account is similar to the one in Acts 9 but includes some additional details and nuances.

Fourth, in Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians (Galatians 1:11-24), Paul briefly mentions his conversion experience, emphasizing that he received his calling and gospel not from any human source but through a revelation of Jesus Christ. He explains that he once persecuted the church but was chosen by God to preach the gospel among the Gentiles.

According to Stanley E. Porter (2014), Paul seldom discusses personal details in his letters, and when he does, it’s usually as an afterthought to the main point of the letter. Romans 11:1; 15:19–32; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 16:1–9; 2 Corinthians 2:12–13; 8–9; 11:22–27, 32–33; Galatians 1:11-2:21; Philippians 1:14; 3:5–6; Philemon 1:23; Ephesians 6–20; Colossians 4:10–16; 1 Timothy 1–8–17; 4:13, 20 and Titus 1–5; 3:12; are some of the passages that provide details about his life. Many scholars according to Porter (2014) have reformed Paul’s life story from these passages, giving differing degrees of confidence to the events. Hurd (1967), Jewett (1979), Ludemann (1984), Knox (1987), and Phillips (2009) are authors of such accounts.

Paul’s conversion account, as described in the New Testament, can be seen as challenging for a few reasons. First, the account presents a dramatic and supernatural encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. While this experience played a crucial role in Paul’s conversion, it can be challenging for some to accept such a direct, miraculous intervention by God in a person’s life. Second, his transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a passionate advocate for Christianity is profound. Some might find it difficult to understand or accept how a person could change so dramatically and suddenly.

It’s important to note that how one views Paul’s conversion account largely depends on one’s religious and philosophical perspective. For Christians, it is a powerful example of God’s grace and transformative power. For non-Christians, it may be viewed with caution and skepticism due to its supernatural and unverifiable elements. As with many religious and historical events, interpretations and acceptance of Paul’s conversion may vary widely.

Similarities and Dissimilarities between Paul’s Conversion Accounts

The conversion narratives of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament, as found in the Book of Acts and in his own letters, share some common elements but also exhibit differences in their details and emphases. Differences in these accounts is another challenging aspect of Paul’s conversion.

Similarities:

1. Divine Encounter: In both accounts, there is a clear divine encounter. Paul experiences a dramatic and life-altering encounter with the risen Jesus.
2. Blinding Light: Both narratives mention a blinding light from heaven. In Acts, it is described as a bright light that surrounds Paul on the road to Damascus, while in Paul’s own accounts, he refers to a great light from heaven.
3. Hearing the Voice: In both accounts, Paul hears the voice of Jesus. In Acts, the voice asks why he is persecuting Jesus, while in Paul’s letters, he mentions hearing Jesus speaking to him.
4. Loss of Sight: Paul is struck blind in both accounts and requires the assistance of others to reach his destination in Damascus.
5. Ananias’ Role: In both narratives, a disciple named Ananias plays a crucial role in Paul’s conversion. Ananias is instructed by the Lord to go to Paul and restore his sight in both accounts.

Dissimilarities:

1. Companions’ Awareness: In Acts, it is stated that Paul’s companions saw the light but did not hear the voice, whereas in Paul’s letters, he doesn’t mention whether his companions heard or saw anything.
2. Location of Conversion: While both accounts place the conversion on the road to Damascus, there is a slight discrepancy in the details. In Acts, Paul’s companions stand speechless, but in Paul’s accounts, they fall to the ground.
3. Duration of Blindness: The duration of Paul’s blindness differs between the two accounts. In Acts, it is mentioned as three days, but in Paul’s letters, he emphasizes that he did not immediately consult with other Christians.
4. Missionary Commission: In Acts, Paul is commissioned to be an apostle to the Gentiles by Jesus through Ananias, whereas in his own letters, he emphasizes receiving his calling from God but does not mention this specific commission.
5. Additional Details in Paul’s Letters: Paul’s letters provide some additional insights, such as his persecuting activities, his internal struggle after the encounter, and the emphasis on his theological understanding, including justification by faith.

It may be concluded that these differences are not necessarily contradictory but can be seen as complementary, providing different perspectives on the same event. For instance, Paul’s own letters place a greater emphasis on his theological understanding of the relationship between faith and the law, whereas Acts focuses more on the narrative of his conversion. Hence, the variations may be due to the different purposes and audiences of the two accounts, with Acts serving as a historical narrative and Paul’s letters primarily addressing theological and pastoral concerns.

Dimensions of Paul’s Conversion

Paul’s conversion offers insights into his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most significant figures in early Christianity. Should Paul’s conversion be considered as sudden or as a process? The consideration of Paul’s conversion, whether as a sudden event or a process, depends on the perspective and emphasis one places on various aspects of his experience. Both viewpoints have merit and can coexist in the understanding of Paul’s conversion, as they offer insights into different dimensions of this significant event in his life.

From a narrative perspective, Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, as described in Acts, is portrayed as a sudden, dramatic, and life-altering event. This perspective emphasizes the instantaneous transformation that took place when he encountered Jesus. It underscores the supernatural element of the event.

Acts’ author emphasizes the suddenness of his change from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ, highlighting the profound impact of divine intervention. If we read through the records in Acts, we cannot fail to be convinced that Paul’s conversion is sudden. The actual moment he was apprehended by the Lord and when he was brought as a humble penitent sinner to the feet of the Saviour took place in a moment of time. One moment he was an enemy and the other he was an enquirer with a broken and a contrite heart and a longing to do the will of the risen Lord.

Acts provides a powerful example of God’s ability to transform a person’s life in an instant, illustrating the immediacy of God’s grace. In this sense, conversion can be considered sudden. There is an actual, specific and precise moment when we are born again (John 3:5-6), time we pass from death to life (John 5:24), period we are translated out of Satan’s Kingdom into God’s dear son’s kingdom (Colossian 1:13), and moment we enter into an experience with the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. It is important to note that a human do not know the exact moment of his/her conversion like he/she remembers when he/she was born. But if one is converted, there must have been such a moment. Hence, conversion in this way can be considered as sudden.

As regards conversion as a process, Paul’s own letters suggest that his understanding and acceptance of the Christian faith developed over time. In his letters, he reflects on his calling, the unfolding of his mission, and the theological insights he gained.

Paul’s letters, particularly in Galatians, emphasize that he did not immediately consult with other Christians and that there was a period during which he was in Arabia and Damascus. This suggests a process of reflection and growth in his faith. This recognizes that Paul’s theological understanding and mission to the Gentiles developed over time, and his understanding of the law, grace, and faith evolved.

God did the work of saving Paul from start to finish just as He is known as the author and finisher of Christians’ faith (that is their salvation) – Hebrews 12:2. The sovereignty of God in the conversion of sinners is clearly taught throughout scripture. The Father with love planned human’s salvation. Jesus in His death purchased human’s salvation, and the Holy Spirit in His present ministry conveys this salvation.

‘The consideration of Paul’s conversion, whether as a sudden event or a process, depends on the perspective and emphasis one places on various aspects of his experience.’

When a human is converted, certain things should occur. These mark the reality of such a being’s conversion:

1. Such a person must meet the Lord and hear his voice. (Acts 9:4-6)
2. The person should be filled with a longing to obey the Lord and do His will. (Acts 9:6)
3. He/she should begin to pray. (Acts 9:11)
4. He/she should be baptised. (Acts 9:18)
5. He/she should be united in fellowship with God’s people. (Acts 9:19)
6. He/she should grow in grace. Acts 9:22
7. He/she should begin to testify powerfully. (Acts 9:20)

Conversion is popularly considered as belief or faith in God, acknowledgement of falling far short of God’s glory, repentance from sin and confession of Jesus as Saviour and the only means one’s sin can be atoned for as well as the only route to salvation.

In summary, both perspectives can be valuable in understanding Paul’s conversion. From a theological standpoint, the suddenness of his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus underscores the transformative power of divine grace and serves as a foundational example of how a profound religious experience can lead to immediate and radical change. From a historical and biographical perspective, acknowledging the process involved in Paul’s subsequent growth in faith and understanding provides insight into the complexities of a person’s spiritual journey. It highlights that conversion can involve both a moment of awakening and an ongoing process of deepening one’s faith.

Conclusion

At the heart of Paul’s conversion is the supernatural encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. The blinding light and the voice of Jesus from heaven are supernatural elements that highlight the divine intervention in Paul’s life. His conversion is deeply theological. It led to a profound reorientation of his beliefs and understanding of God. He moved from strict adherence to Jewish law and persecution of Christians to a faith centred on Christ’s atonement and the grace of God. His conversion laid the theological foundation for much of his subsequent writings and teachings.

The accounts of Paul’s conversion, found in the New Testament (Acts and his letters), have a literary dimension. They serve as narratives that convey theological and moral lessons and are crafted to persuade and teach. Paul’s conversion had significant ethical implications. He shifted from persecuting Christians to becoming a fervent advocate for love, compassion, and ethical living based on the teachings of Christ. His ethical transformation is evident in his emphasis on virtues like love, humility, and patience in his letters.

In a nutshell, Paul’s conversion is a rich and multifaceted event that encompasses ethical, personal, historical, and theological dimensions. It continues to be a subject of theological reflection, scholarly study, and spiritual inspiration within the Christian tradition.

Sources and Bibliography

Sources and Bibliography

Adelakun, Adewale J. ‘Lecture Note: Paul’s Conversion’, REL 402: The Acts of the Apostles, OAU, Ife, delivered on 2 and 19 February, 2017.

Folarin, George O. ‘Lecture Note: Paul’s Conversion’, REL 106: St. Paul and his Epistles, OAU, Ife, delivered on 22 and 28 January, 2014.

Jervell, Jacob. ‘Paul in the Acts of the Apostles: Tradition, History, Theology’ in Les Actes des Apotres: Traditions, Redaction, Theologie, ed. By J. Kremer Gembloux: Duculot, 1979.

Jewett, Robert. Dating Paul’s Life. London: SCM, 1979.

Phillip, Thomas A. Paul, his Letter, and Acts. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 2009.

Porter, Stanley E. ‘The Portrait of Paul in Acts’ in The Blackwell Companion to Paul, ed by Westerholm, Stephen. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2014.

Reisner, Rainer, ‘Pauline Chronology’ in The Blackwell Companion to Paul, ed by Westerholm, Stephen. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2014.