Acts 9:6

"He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

Key Reflection

In Acts 9:6, when Saul (later known as Paul) asks, "Who are you, Lord?" and receives the response, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," this moment is a pivotal one in his conversion story. For the original audience, familiar with first-century Jewish culture, such an encounter would have been profoundly shocking. The direct confrontation between Saul, a zealous Pharisee actively involved in persecuting Christians, and Jesus himself, who was executed as a criminal, underscores the dramatic reversal of roles. This interaction highlights the unexpected nature of divine intervention and the personal impact of encountering the risen Christ.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 6. And he trembling. Alarmed at what he saw and heard, and at the consciousness of his own evil course. It is not remarkable that a sinner trembles when he sees his guilt and danger. And astonished. At what he saw. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? This indicates a subdued soul; a humbled spirit. Just before he had sought only to do his own will; now he inquired what was the will of the Saviour. Just before he was acting under a commission from the sanhedrim; now he renounced their supreme authority, and asked what the Lord Jesus would have him to do. Just before he had been engaged in a career of opposition to the Lord Jesus; now he sought at once to do his will.

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