How Was Paul As Saul Called to be Saved?

[GodB4Us]

When Paul used to be known as Saul, the persecutors of Christians, and he was on his way on the road to Damascus to arrest more Christians, what had happened while on that road still being an evil ungodly murderer?

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Do read the very account in Acts and point out where Ananias was to call Saul to repent from all sins before he could come to & believe in Jesus Christ. Ananias never challenged Saul to prove he had repented from killing Christians.

Acts 9:1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Can you see the call to repent from any sins here? All I see is a hearty rebuke from the Lord Jesus Christ for not believing in Him and it is by the grace of God that Saul was led to believe in Him to be saved..

 

[God's Truth]

@GodB4Us
Pay close attention, because Paul wasn't yet saved when he finally believed in Jesus on that road to Damascus! He had to do what Jesus said to do, and he had to pray and fast and beg for forgiveness. He had to hear the message that saves that tells us how to receive the Holy Spirit. It is by repenting of sins and calling on Jesus to help you, to save you, by giving you the Holy Spirit.

Paul wasn’t saved yet on that road to Damascus when he finally believed.
This proves faith alone is not a true doctrine.
Jesus tells Paul what he must do, because faith alone is dead and can't save anyone.
Jesus told him where to go, Paul obeyed and went.


Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.


Paul did not eat or drink for three days and he spent that time praying.
Can you imagine what those prayers were like?
Paul didn't eat or drink and spent his time praying, no doubt begging for forgiveness and he must have cried and wailed for what he had done.
He was a violent man; he gave approval of Stephens’s death, guarded over the clothes that belonged to the men who killed Stephen. Can you imagine men taking off their clothes so that blood would not get splattered on them while they stone someone to death, and how Paul guarded these evil men’s clothes while they killed Stephen?

He put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, he cast his vote against them. Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.



Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.


Jesus tells Ananias to go to Saul for he is praying.
Paul fasted and prayed for three days before he was going to get saved.

Acts 9:11 The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.


The disciple Ananias put his hands on Paul and he received his sight. Then Paul got up and WAS WATER BAPTIZED after that.


Now listen to what Paul tells the crowd about how he was saved, he tells what happened on the road to Damascus, and how he had to get baptized and wash his sins away and call on Jesus' name:


Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'


When Paul had his vision restored to him, he was told to get up, be baptized and wash his sins away, calling on the Lord.

When people were baptized with water that was symbolic of having their sins washed away, after they repented.

In addition, people came out of the water after repenting and being baptized, they called upon the name of the Lord.

We are told to believe, and repent, and to call upon the name of the Lord.

No such thing as a just believe faith alone doctrine.

 

[PloughBoy]

@GodB4Us
Pay close attention, because Paul wasn't yet saved when he finally believed in Jesus on that road to Damascus! He had to do what Jesus said to do, and he had to pray and fast and beg for forgiveness. He had to hear the message that saves that tells us how to receive the Holy Spirit. It is by repenting of sins and calling on Jesus to help you, to save you, by giving you the Holy Spirit.

Paul wasn’t saved yet on that road to Damascus when he finally believed.
This proves faith alone is not a true doctrine.
Jesus tells Paul what he must do, because faith alone is dead and can't save anyone.
Jesus told him where to go, Paul obeyed and went.


Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.


Paul did not eat or drink for three days and he spent that time praying.
Can you imagine what those prayers were like?
Paul didn't eat or drink and spent his time praying, no doubt begging for forgiveness and he must have cried and wailed for what he had done.
He was a violent man; he gave approval of Stephens’s death, guarded over the clothes that belonged to the men who killed Stephen. Can you imagine men taking off their clothes so that blood would not get splattered on them while they stone someone to death, and how Paul guarded these evil men’s clothes while they killed Stephen?

He put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, he cast his vote against them. Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.



Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.


Jesus tells Ananias to go to Saul for he is praying.
Paul fasted and prayed for three days before he was going to get saved.

Acts 9:11 The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.


The disciple Ananias put his hands on Paul and he received his sight. Then Paul got up and WAS WATER BAPTIZED after that.


Now listen to what Paul tells the crowd about how he was saved, he tells what happened on the road to Damascus, and how he had to get baptized and wash his sins away and call on Jesus' name:


Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'


When Paul had his vision restored to him, he was told to get up, be baptized and wash his sins away, calling on the Lord.

When people were baptized with water that was symbolic of having their sins washed away, after they repented.

In addition, people came out of the water after repenting and being baptized, they called upon the name of the Lord.

We are told to believe, and repent, and to call upon the name of the Lord.

No such thing as a just believe faith alone doctrine.

Your quote:
When Paul used to be known as Saul, the persecutors of Christians, and he was on his way on the road to Damascus to arrest more Christians, what had happened while on that road still being an evil ungodly murderer?

One thing for sure He was not seeking JESuS! Matter of fact He Didn’t believe in Jesus! Far as “Saul was concern Jesus was a dead Heretic! And His “Sect” had to be stamp out!

That is simple. GOD chose him he didn’t choose GOD, neither did Saul Call upon The Name of JeSUS “Jesus Called SAUL’S name.

 

[God's Truth]

Your quote:

That wasn't my quote! Try to be more careful.

When Paul used to be known as Saul, the persecutors of Christians, and he was on his way on the road to Damascus to arrest more Christians, what had happened while on that road still being an evil ungodly murderer?

That is what another member said.

One thing for sure He was not seeking JESuS! Matter of fact He Didn’t believe in Jesus! Far as “Saul was concern Jesus was a dead Heretic! And His “Sect” had to be stamp out!

That is simple. GOD chose him he didn’t choose GOD, neither did Saul Call upon The Name of JeSUS “Jesus Called SAUL’S name.

The scriptures say he called on the name of Jesus!

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'

 

[PloughBoy]

That wasn't my quote! Try to be more careful.

That is what another member said.

The scriptures say he called on the name of Jesus!

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'

I never said it was your quote:

II is a copy quote from Post # 1 the 1st. Paragraph of the Title Thread.

Now how it got to you I do not know, maybe a computer glitch.

 

[*Lavender]

Saul became Paul, and the change of his name was representive of his transformation as a result of His conversion in Christ.
The scales came out of his eyes as he turned away from sin, and turned to Christ.
Demonstrating the power of grace through the blood of Christ, because this is not a form of godliness without power.
Transformation is through God also showing the result of a genuine conversion in Christ.
Paul demonstrated the forgiveness of Christ as well, through a genuine and humble repentance.
In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul writes, “The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

 

[PloughBoy]

That wasn't my quote! Try to be more careful.

That is what another member said.

The scriptures say he called on the name of Jesus!

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'

Ps, I also have a degree in Computer Science, and know 4 different computer languages and I know how all of it works in programming form hardware and software and how they may error even system to system errors. And I have been noticing this iPhone that i use has develop a mind of its own, maybe the built in “Text editor” is corrupted alone certain factors. I know one thing, I ain’t going to spend a thousand dollar for a new iPhone cell phone! This one cost over $700.00. I had a fit when he told me that he will take $600.00 off if I would buy a new one now! I had a old man fix, in the store! I told them it wasn’t nice to take advantage of old man on “ social Security“. Telling him his $700.00 cell phone wasn’t no good for 5g and that I could get $600.00 off a new one. And the store was full

He said clam down, if you wait they will give you a new one for free! He said that real low. I got 5 iPhones on the account ever since Apple phones been out from the beginning! I told him I going cut them All off! Right in the middle of the store! I told him I was tired and old and I don’t need a phone!

Setting me up with a $5,000.00 iPhone bill!

I Can go buy me a old car!

I said they willl give me a free phone, he said yes if you wait!

I said ok, Limp my old self out of there. I still do not trust them. Next time I go there I going to write my congressman, TV news channel, the ceo at Apple for old people and “Google”!

Tell them I ain’t got nothing to do all day but write. All the Apple Computers, IPads and IPhones I have bought down through the years!

They cannot be doing old people like that.

 

[PloughBoy]

That wasn't my quote! Try to be more careful.

That is what another member said.

The scriptures say he called on the name of Jesus!

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'

Yes after Jesus knock him down and blinded him, and told him who he was! I know he got scared!
“what do you want me to do!”?

Answer: I want you to suffer a lot..ff.

 

[God's Truth]

Ps, I also have a degree in Computer Science, and know 4 different computer languages and I know how all of it works in programming form hardware and software and how they may error even system to system errors. And I have been noticing this iPhone that i use has develop a mind of its own, maybe the built in “Text editor” is corrupted alone certain factors. I know one thing, I ain’t going to spend a thousand dollar for a new iPhone cell phone! This one cost over $700.00. I had a fit when he told me that he will take $600.00 off if I would buy a new one now! I had a old man fix, in the store! I told them it wasn’t nice to take advantage of old man on “ social Security“. Telling him his $700.00 cell phone wasn’t no good for 5g and that I could get $600.00 off a new one. And the store was full

He said clam down, if you wait they will give you a new one for free! He said that real low. I got 5 iPhones on the account ever since Apple phones been out from the beginning! I told him I going cut them All off! Right in the middle of the store! I told him I was tired and old and I don’t need a phone!

Setting me up with a $5,000.00 iPhone bill!

I Can go buy me a old car!

I said they willl give me a free phone, he said yes if you wait!

I said ok, Limp my old self out of there. I still do not trust them. Next time I go there I going to write my congressman, TV news channel, the ceo at Apple for old people and “Google”!

Tell them I ain’t got nothing to do all day but write. All the Apple Computers, IPads and IPhones I have bought down through the years!

They cannot be doing old people like that.

Yes after Jesus knock him down and blinded him, and told him who he was! I know he got scared!
“what do you want me to do!”?

Answer: I want you to suffer a lot..ff.

I tried being friendly with you before and chit chatting. You ignored me and other times just insulted me. I'm not interested anymore in trying to figure out what you are talking about.

 

[PloughBoy]

Saul became Paul, and the change of his name was representive of his transformation as a result of His conversion in Christ.
The scales came out of his eyes as he turned away from sin, and turned to Christ.
Demonstrating the power of grace through the blood of Christ, because this is not a form of godliness without power.
Transformation is through God also showing the result of a genuine conversion in Christ.
Paul demonstrated the forgiveness of Christ as well, through a genuine and humble repentance.
In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul writes, “The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

Saul always had 2 names! Paul and Saul. That was normal for people to have t2 names. His name never change. He just went by the other name.

Peter’’s other name was “Simon”.

 

[PloughBoy]

I tried being friendly with you before and chit chatting. You ignored me and other times just insulted me. I'm not interested anymore in trying to figure out what you are talking about.

That is fair, and I understand your assessment .

“agape”

 

[PloughBoy]

Saul always had 2 names! Paul and Saul. That was normal for people to have t2 names. His name never change. He just went by the other name.

Peter’’s other name was “Simon”.

The “Word of GOD” is a very very “DEEP WELL” every Word lodge in it, every “IOTA” can be “Exhausted”! It is not a regular book with only regular “WORDS”. There are Words that have to be “Exhausted” then we still have just Scratch the Surface.

To be real Serious, you must have an hard copy set of “ISBE” and a “Vines” Dictionary of “New Testaments Words” a early copyright! And a “unabridged dictionary” of your native language.

And people have complained down through the years it does not take that or it costs to much money and to much time!

They rather go to “Disney land”.

“men love darkness rather Than “LIGHT”

For “LIGHT” can be a “BURDEN” a heavy Load.

 

[GodB4Us]

Saul became Paul, and the change of his name was representive of his transformation as a result of His conversion in Christ.
The scales came out of his eyes as he turned away from sin, and turned to Christ.
Demonstrating the power of grace through the blood of Christ, because this is not a form of godliness without power.
Transformation is through God also showing the result of a genuine conversion in Christ.
Paul demonstrated the forgiveness of Christ as well, through a genuine and humble repentance.
In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul writes, “The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

Did Saul turned away from sin and turned to Christ or did Christ intervened and turned him around to believing in Him instead?

I am not denying that Saul became Paul in living a life of repentance as His disciple after he got saved, but he was not turning from sin when he was on the road to Damascus until Christ intervened and turned him instead.

 

[B-A-C]

I am not denying that Saul became Paul in living a life of repentance as His disciple after he got saved, but he was not turning from sin when he was on the road to Damascus until Christ intervened and turned him instead.

It's interesting Saul thought he was "religious", doing God's work.

Php 3:4; although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
Php 3:5; circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

He considered himself "blameless" to the righteousness of the Law.

Acts 22:20; 'And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.'

It seems we have some people who think that persecuting some Christians, they are doing God a favor.

John 16:2; "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.

I wonder how many "Saul's" we have around here?

Of course we know the story Saul met Jesus and became Paul.

Acts 9:4; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
Acts 9:5; And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,
Acts 9:6; but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do."

Was Paul changed "instantly"? I guess that's a hard thing to say.

We know that Paul was blind for three days.

Acts 9:8; Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.
Acts 9:9; And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Acts 9:10; Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."
Acts 9:11; And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,
Acts 9:12; and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight."

I read somewhere that "Straight street" is still in Damascus to this very day.

Acts 9:15; But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
Acts 9:16; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."
Acts 9:17; So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:18; And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;

Paul wasn't filled with the Holy Spirit until at least 3 days after the event of the road to Damascus. So when was he converted?

I know some say... Jesus paid the price, He took all of our pain and suffering... yet the Bible says sometimes Christians will suffer and go through trials.
In Acts 9:15; Jesus says Paul has to "suffer for My name's sake".

edit: added..

Straight Street - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[complete]

' Whereupon, O king Agrippa,
I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:'
( Act 26:19 )

Hello @GodB4Us,

These are Paul's words as he recounted his conversion on the road to Damascus.

I believe that this marks the spot where Saul heard the words of the risen Christ and believing He was the Christ, obeyed in faith. He was no longer one of the children of disobedience that he was to refer to later in his ministry (Ephesians 2:1-5) but believed absolutely and assuredly that Jesus was the Christ the Son of God, and believing received life through His Name (John 20:31): what followed simply confirmed that act of faith, and equipped him for service.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Samson2020]

Can you see the call to repent from any sins here? All I see is a hearty rebuke from the Lord Jesus Christ for not believing in Him and it is by the grace of God that Saul was led to believe in Him to be saved..

Just as all who are chosen as they were ordained before the world to be the first group unto whom the Father showed mercy to.

That particular set of verses is exactly the thing that leads one to believe that God will call everyone eventually. Paul was not better nor worse than any sinner though he thought he was but many have persecuted the church since its formation, but no one has received the divine intervention that Paul received. Why was he so special that this kind of revelation was made
to him vs the majority of mankind have nothing at all similar to this as a testimony of being called and are thus bound for hell?

 

[B-A-C]

Gal 1:15; But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased
Gal 1:16; to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,
Gal 1:17; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.
Gal 1:18; Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days.

Verse 15 here is sometimes used to support pre-destination.
In any case, Paul says he didn't go meet the previous disciples immediately, but was in Damascus (possibly Arabia too) for 3 years.
When we read the account is Acts 9...

Acts 9:26; When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Acts 9:27; But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.

It sounds like maybe it was a few days after he was at Ananias's house. But when I read Galatians 1. It seems like it was at least 3 years between Acts 9:18; and Acts 9:26;.
It we add Galatians 2 in the mix, then it was at least 14 years later.

Gal 2:1; Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.

(This may coincide with the time frame in 2nd Corinthians.)

2Cor 12:2; I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.
2Cor 12:3; And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—
2Cor 12:4; was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.

 

[B-A-C]

Why was he so special that this kind of revelation was made
to him vs the majority of mankind have nothing at all similar to this as a testimony of being called and are thus bound for hell?

Matt 22:14; "For many are called, but few are chosen."

But even if you are chosen...

John 6:70; Jesus answered them, "Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?"

 

[B-A-C]

Why was he so special

Sometimes God has plans for people.

Luke 1:13; But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
Luke 1:14; "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
Luke 1:15; "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb.

John the Baptist was only person "born with" the Holy Spirit from birth.

 

[GodB4Us]

It's interesting Saul thought he was "religious", doing God's work.

Php 3:4; although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
Php 3:5; circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

He considered himself "blameless" to the righteousness of the Law.

Acts 22:20; 'And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.'

It seems we have some people who think that persecuting some Christians, they are doing God a favor.

John 16:2; "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.

I wonder how many "Saul's" we have around here?

Of course we know the story Saul met Jesus and became Paul.

Acts 9:4; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
Acts 9:5; And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,
Acts 9:6; but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do."

Was Paul changed "instantly"? I guess that's a hard thing to say.

We know that Paul was blind for three days.

Acts 9:8; Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.
Acts 9:9; And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Acts 9:10; Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."
Acts 9:11; And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,
Acts 9:12; and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight."

I read somewhere that "Straight street" is still in Damascus to this very day.

Acts 9:15; But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
Acts 9:16; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."
Acts 9:17; So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:18; And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;

Paul wasn't filled with the Holy Spirit until at least 3 days after the event of the road to Damascus. So when was he converted?

I know some say... Jesus paid the price, He took all of our pain and suffering... yet the Bible says sometimes Christians will suffer and go through trials.
In Acts 9:15; Jesus says Paul has to "suffer for My name's sake".

edit: added..

Straight Street - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Since "Saul" was not with any believers on the road to Damascus, I can see why his salvation did not come about until Ananias bore witness to it since God was going to use "Paul" mightily towards the Gentiles & the Jews. If there was no witness to Saul born again of the Spirit moment in salvation, then no one would believe he was saved, but still going after Christians to arrest & put them to death as he did Stephen.

I also noticed that per what Ananias had said exactly, he did not bother to tell him about Jesus Christ thus indicating Saul was a believer for how could he not believe after that encounter on the road to Damascus?

And Ananias did not cast a challenge to Saul to prove he was repenting from going after Christians by vowing not to kill any more Christians before he prayed for Saul to be healed and to get the gift of the Holy Ghost and so there was no specific call to repent from that sin as obviously he was doing those sins on the road to Damascus.

So there was no repenting from sin on Saul's part BEFORE Jesus revealed Himself to him for him to believe in Him and be eventually saved when a Christian witness was sent to verify that God was ordaining him as saved & a minister too.

Sinners need to know that just because they cannot repent from all sins on their own, they can also hope in Jesus Christ to deliver them from their sins and not just give them eternal life by believing in Him, even in His name for why they should freely come to Him to believe in Him to be saved. They will get to know Him & the power of His resurrection when their hope is on Him to deliver them from every evil work in their lives daily so they can be free to live as His children.

Thanks for sharing.