Prior to his conversion, Paul, (Saul) avidly persecuted the first Christians, and was even present for the martyrdom of St. Stephen, consenting to his stoning execution. Still breathing murderous threats against the Apostles and Christians, he headed towards the city of Damascus.
Music scene begins: On horse on his way to Damascus, Scripture say that “for 3 days (Saul) was unable to see, and he neither ate or drank”. Perhaps as ascetic penance, Saul demonstrated remorse for the sins he had committed against the followers of Jesus and contemplated how his life would have changed in light of what had happened on the road to Damascus. In his hunger, thirst and blindness, Saul longed for fulfillment and enlightenment and slowly came to the realization that they could only come through Christ.
En route to Damascus, a blinding flash of light (Sound marker 1:26) knocked Saul from his horse and then a voice from the sky cried out, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4b). The voice identifies himself as Jesus, and instructs Saul to continue to the city, where he is to be met by a disciple named Ananias.