Seeing the Light: Acts 22:6-11
““6) But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7) and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8) And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9) And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10) And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11) But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus.” Acts 22:6-11
When someone suddenly understands the gospel and turns to the Lord, they often say; “I saw the light!” Paul literally saw the light, and it blinded Him.
It is fascinating to study the word “light” in the Bible. It is used many times in both the Old and New Testaments. God spoke light into existence on the first day of creation. (See Genesis 1:3-4) It is used of the sun and stars. (Psalm 74:16; Psalms 148:3) It is essential for life. (John 1:4-5) It is often used of God’s Word. (Psalm 119:105 & 130) It is used to describe God Himself. (1 John 1:5, Psalm 27:1; Psalm 90:8) It is also used for the gospel. (2 Corinthians 4:4-6) Christians are called “sons of light.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5; Ephesians 5:8) God dwells in unapproachable light. (1 Timothy 6:16)
We now face the question; “What form of light did Saul see as he traveled to Damascus?” It was non other than the glorified Christ! Twice Jesus said to His Disciples; “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12; 9:5) His eyes are now a flame of fire (Revelation 1:14; 19:12), and He will bring Satan and his kingdom of darkness to an end by the appearance of His coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8) There is no way to describe the glory and brightness of the resurrected Christ. When Paul encountered Him on the road to Damascus, he was blinded.
I now ask the question; “Have you seen the light?” Do understand the gospel? Have you put personal faith in Jesus Christ? Have you been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of light? Does the Holy Spirit illumine the Word of God to you as you read Scripture? Have you been enlightened to know the will and ways of God? (See Ephesians 1:18) Are you living and walking in truth and light? Are you a light and witness to those around you?
My conversion was not as dramatic as that of Saul of Tarsus, but I vividly remember when God turned the light of the gospel on for me. I responded by trusting in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit came into my life and God’s Word became a light unto my path.
What is your story? Do you have a testimony of Jesus changing your life? Have you seen the light? Have you come to the light? You have no excuse! Jesus Christ desires to reveal Himself to you in all of His Glory!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
