The Conversion of Saint Paul, a fundamental episode in the history of Christianity, not only marks the personal transformation of a man, but also symbolizes the effectiveness of divine grace in the lives of those who are willing to open themselves to it. The apostle, initially known as Saul of Tarsus, went from being a fierce persecutor of Christians to becoming one of the greatest missionaries and defenders of the faith. This event has a profound impact on Paul’s life and marks a turning point in the expansion of Christianity, becoming a model of conversion for all times.
We will review the three moments in which this event is narrated.
The Road to Damascus: The Moment of Conversion
The first account of Saint Paul’s conversion is found mainly in chapter 9 of the book of the Acts of the Apostles. Saul, in his pursuit of Jesus’ followers, heads toward Damascus, intending to arrest Christians. However, on the way, he experiences a vision that would change his life forever. A dazzling light surrounds him, and a voice asks him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). This encounter, which would be the beginning of his transformation, is described as a direct experience with the resurrected Christ, which is fundamental not only for his conversion but also for the validation of his apostolic authority.
It is important to remember that this is a second-person account. It is Luke, the evangelist himself, who is narrating, in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, which is his second writing. Here he clearly says that the resurrected Jesus speaks to Saul (although those who accompanied him only heard the voice, but did not see anyone). Saul from the ground hears Jesus identify himself with the believers: “I am Jesus whom you persecute” (Acts 9:5). And immediately he hears a word that will be decisive: “Get up” (Acts 9:6)
Saul, blinded by the light and completely disoriented, is led by his companions to the city of Damascus. There, Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, visits him, heals him of his blindness and baptizes him, marking the beginning of his new life in Christ. This symbolic act not only represents his spiritual purification, but also his formal entry into the Christian community.
The Repetition of the Narrative in the Acts of the Apostles
The development of St. Paul’s conversion is not limited to a single account. In fact, the narrative of this event is repeated on two more occasions in the book of Acts, reflecting its relevance to the early Christian community and his personal testimony.
In Acts 22, Paul, already converted and an apostle, recounts his experience before a crowd in Jerusalem. Here, the apostle presents himself as a witness to the grace of God, recounting how he was blinded by the light on the road to Damascus. And now in the first person he says that his companions saw the light, but did not distinguish the voice of the one who was speaking to them. And Paul himself, in the first person, says thus: “The Lord said to me: Get up” (Acts 22:10) and then narrates that he was led to Damascus and how Ananias healed him and gave him the task of being a witness of Jesus before all peoples. This account takes place when Paul is arrested and is about to be tried, which gives him the opportunity to present his personal testimony as part of his defense.
In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 24, we find Saint Paul defending his cause before the Roman governor Felix. During this speech, Paul makes a significant statement, in which he tells Felix: “Get up” (Acts 24:10). To understand the context and depth of this statement, it is important to consider both the setting in which it is uttered and the spiritual message it carries.
Historical and Narrative Context
Saint Paul finds himself in a vulnerable situation: he has been arrested by the Jewish authorities due to accusations of inciting riots and desecrating the temple. After being transferred to Caesarea, where Felix is governor, Paul is given the opportunity to defend himself before him. Throughout his defense, Paul explains that he has not committed any crime, but that he faithfully follows his faith in Jesus as the Messiah, and preaches the resurrection of the dead, a doctrine that had caused discord among the Jews.
In this context, the word “Arise” becomes a key statement, because it does not refer only to a physical or formal command, but also has a spiritual and theological implication.
In Acts 26, Paul again narrates his conversion before King Agrippa. This time, the apostle does so in a more formal context, as part of his defense before the Roman authorities. In this version, the emphasis is on how Jesus entrusted him with a specific mission: to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, to open their spiritual eyes and lead them from darkness to light. Here, the apostle highlights the universal mission of Christianity, a central theme in his ministry.
The Circumstances of the Narratives
The repetition of the narrative of St. Paul’s conversion in Acts is not accidental. Each account is given in a particular context that highlights different aspects of Paul’s conversion and mission. In the first account (Acts 9), the conversion is presented as a direct act of divine grace that transforms the life of Saul, a man lost in his persecution, into a fervent disciple. In the later accounts (Acts 22 and 26), the narrative becomes a form of apologetic defense and an opportunity for Paul to reaffirm his divine vocation and mission. This also demonstrates the importance of personal testimony in evangelization, a principle that remains relevant in the Church to this day.
The circumstance of his defense before the authorities should not be understood as a mere biographical narrative; in both cases, Paul is using his conversion experience to legitimize his ministry and reaffirm that his mission is part of the divine plan. The repetition of this account underlines the force of the mystical experience and the impact of personal revelation in the life of the apostle.
The Relevance of St. Paul’s Conversion Today
St. Paul’s conversion remains a model of the transformation experienced by every Christian who encounters Christ in a deep and personal way. In Paul’s life, we see how God’s grace can redirect even the furthest trajectories from good toward the fulfillment of the divine purpose. Paul’s openness to divine grace and his willingness to change radically are an example of how conversion is not an isolated event, but a continuous process of growth in faith.
Today, St. Paul’s conversion invites all Christians to reflect on the need for constant spiritual renewal. Paul’s story reminds us that no person is beyond the reach of God’s mercy, and that every genuine encounter with Christ has the power to change lives, no matter the past.
The Spiritual Dimension of “Arise”
Beyond the immediate judicial context, “Arise” has a deep spiritual resonance, especially when considering Paul’s central message of resurrection and new life in Christ.
- A Call to Conversion and Spiritual Awakening: In the Gospel and in St. Paul’s letters, the concept of “arising” is often used to refer to the call to conversion and life in Christ. Resurrection, which is at the core of the Pauline message, involves a rising from spiritual death to eternal life. By addressing Felix in this way, Paul is not only appealing to his judgment, but also to his moral and spiritual conscience, inviting him to awaken from lethargy and indifference. The governor, as the person who has power over Paul’s life and other decisions in the province, is being called to recognize the transformative power of the Gospel.
- The contrast with Felix’s passivity: Throughout his interaction with Paul, Felix displays an ambiguous demeanor. Although he is interested in hearing more about Christianity, he is also shown to be indecisive and hesitant, putting off important decisions about Paul’s future. St. Paul’s “Get up” can be interpreted as a wake-up call for Felix to stop being passive in the face of truth and act with resolve. Symbolically, this can also reflect the call to anyone who is stuck in a life of indecision or spiritual mediocrity to get up, to make a commitment to truth and justice.
Conclusion
The “Arise” that St. Paul tells Governor Felix in Acts 24 is not only an exhortation to take a righteous stand in a trial, but also a spiritual call to awaken to the truth of the resurrection and to recognize the higher moral authority that is beyond human courts. It is a challenge to conversion, to awaken from a life that remains indifferent to divine grace. At the same time, it is a reminder that Christian faith demands action and cannot be reduced to mere intellectual assent or a passive attitude toward life and justice. Thus, “Arise” resonates both in the context of Paul’s defense and in the broader context of the Christian message of transformation and renewal.
The Conversion of St. Paul is a testimony to the effectiveness of divine grace and the possibility of radical transformation in Christ. Through his three narratives in the Acts of the Apostles, we see the importance of this event both in Paul’s personal life and in the expansion of Christianity. The story of his conversion remains a source of hope, inviting every Christian to daily conversion, and reminding us that God’s mercy is always available to those who approach him with a heart willing to change.
Are you willing to rise too?
