(a) (i) "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Describe the circumstances that led to this question. (ii) Outline the events that took place after the quotat...

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(a)(i) The circumstances that led to the question "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:1-9)

Saul of Tarsus was a fierce persecutor of the early church. Still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, he went to the high priest and asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed and drew near to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

(a)(ii) The events after the quotation up to Saul's baptism

Saul asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men travelling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, but though his eyes were open he could see nothing, so they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.

Meanwhile the Lord spoke in a vision to a disciple named Ananias, telling him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for Saul of Tarsus, who was praying and had seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to restore his sight. Ananias objected because of Saul's evil reputation, but the Lord said Saul was a chosen instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel, and would suffer for His name. Ananias went, laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He rose and was baptized, then took food and was strengthened.

(b) Two ways the experience affected Saul's life

• It transformed him from a persecutor into a preacher. The one who had hunted Christians became the great apostle Paul, boldly proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God.
• It committed him to a life of service and suffering for Christ. He devoted himself to spreading the gospel among the Gentiles and willingly endured hardship, imprisonment and persecution for the Lord's sake.