Saul was converted so that he might spread the word to the Gentiles. Saul, who later became known as Paul, was a devout Jew who persecuted Christians before his conversion. On his way to Damascus, he had a vision of Jesus and was struck blind. After being healed by a disciple named Ananias, Saul became a believer and was baptized. His conversion marked a turning point in his life, and he became an important figure in the early Christian church, especially in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.