Was Saul of Tarsus Saved on the Damascus Road?
The conversion (or salvation) of Saul of Tarsus (who we
know as the Apostle Paul) is found in three parallel accounts
in the book of Acts. These accounts are located in Acts 9,
22, 26. Each account supplements the other. Together they
give the full picture of what all transpired.
As Saul was journeying to Damascus to persecute
Christians (Acts 9:1-3), there shined round about him a light
from heaven (Acts 9:3). Saul fell to the earth, and heard a
voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me” (Acts 9:4)?
Saul responded by asking, “Who art thou, Lord?” The word
“Lord” here simply means, “Sir.” The Lord said, “I am Jesus
whom thou persecutest” (Acts 9:5). In v. 6, the text reveals
that Saul was trembling and astonished. He said, “Lord,
what wilt thou have me to do?” Jesus responded to Saul by
saying, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee
what thou must do.” The word “must” underscores the
necessity of the action. It is not “maybe” or “perhaps,” but
“must.” Obviously, there is something else Saul must to do
to be right with the Lord. Hence, he was not saved at this
point.
While in Damascus, Ananias baptized Saul (Acts 9:18).
The parallel account in Acts 22:16 is most revealing. The
passage records the words of Ananias to Saul – “And now
why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy
sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Ananias told Saul to be
baptized. Why? The text states, “and wash away thy sins.”
This clearly indicates that Saul was still in his sins before
he was baptized – hence not saved.
While in Damascus, Saul was “three days without sight,
and neither did eat nor drink” (Acts 9:9). This reveals Saul’s
contrition of heart. If Saul was already saved at this point,
then he was the most miserable saved person I ever knew!
Acts 9:11 reveals that Saul was in a state of prayer while
in Damascus. However, this did not save him. If there was
ever a person to be saved through prayer, it would have been
Saul, but he wasn’t. Again, Acts 22:16 plainly teaches that
Saul had to be baptized to wash away his sins and therefore
be saved. Saul was not, therefore, saved on the Damascus
road; he was saved in Damascus!