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Damascus is one of the oldest cities globally and is the capital of Syria. This city sits on the border of the Syrian-Arab desert about 130 miles northeast of Jerusalem and is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in western Asia. Damascus has played a significant role both in the Old and New Testaments. It is most remembered during Paul's dramatic encounter with the risen Christ since it's where he was converted to Christianity.
For many Christians around the world, the road to Damascus symbolizes transformation. In the Bible, Damascus is where Paul, a tentmaker who hated Christians, was blinded by a light from heaven until his baptism in the Barada river.
Although Damascus is close to the desert, there's an ample water supply from two rivers, allowing the region to support vineyards and crops such as nuts, grains, fruits, cotton, olives, and tobacco. The Abana River, known today as the Barada, is the primary water source for Damascus.
The water flows from the northwest mountains through a dee abysss into the city. Another river is the Pharpar river, which runs on the outskirts of Damascus, supplying water to the gardens and orchards.
Damascus has first mentioned in the Bible in connection with Abraham's rescue of Lot after an association of Mesopotamian kings kidnaped him. In addition, Eliezer, Abraham's senior servant, was from Damascus.
The Bible does not mention the city again until the time of David, when Damascus and its kings started numerous dealings with Israel. Since it's part of the Aramaean confederacy, Damascus was often associated with wars against Israel.
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Kind David conquered the Aramaean kingdom of Syria, but King Rezin of Damascus eventually took back control of Syria during Solomon's reign.
After the death of King Solomon, Israel was divided into two kingdoms, and Damascus increased in power. At different times, both Israel and Judah agreed with the ruling kings of Damascus.
Eventually, it led to Damascus, which dominated both Hebrew Kingdoms. In the Old Testament, both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel remained entangled with Damascus in battles for control.
In 2 Kings 5:12, Elisha told Namaan to wash in the muddy waters of the Jordan River to get cured of leprosy; he angrily answered with a question, “Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?”
The Bible contains prophecy related to Damascus where it says (Isaiah 17:1), “See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.” The destruction of the Damascus that Isaiah foretold was linked to the defeat of the northern kingdom of Israel called “Ephraim.”
This prophecy could have been fulfilled when the Assyrians attacked Aram. The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it.
Later on, Damascus was rebuilt and remained an influential city until the New Testament, flourishing into a significant cultural center with many synagogues and a large Jewish community. Meanwhile, Saul of Tarsus traveled to Damascus to continue his zealous persecution of Christians when he had a life-changing encounter with the risen Christ.
Saul was led into Damascus, where he converted to Christianity and later became known as the apostle Paul.
During that time, Damascus was ruled by the Nabatean King Aretas. Then, after becoming a Christian, Paul started to testify of his salvation in the synagogues of Damascus.
Significance of Paul on Damascus Road
Saul represents the world. He was so passionate about his Jewish convictions that he started a mistreatment crusade against a person who had faith in Jesus. Saul was sent to Damascus to oppress the Christians.
As Paul was headed to Damascus to seek after Christians, he was stopped by the risen Christ and witnessed the reality of the gospel. Occasionally, God will break into an individual's life differently, transforming this person for the better.
You are to be careful with people who demand that someone should have that kind of conversion. The proper way to come to faith in Jesus is how God brings that person.
A sinner is recognized, but light always covers darkness. In a dark room, the lights are turned on, you turn your head toward the bright light, but you shield your eyes.
The light was so bright that even Saul fell to his knees. A sinner can recognize the sovereignty of God and will submit and surrender unto God's will.
The sinner will be told what to do.
Paul will allude to this experience as the start of his new life in Christ. At the point of this incredible experience was Jesus Christ.
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Paul did not have a dream nor see a vision. He just witnessed the risen Christ himself.
Paul then recognized Jesus as Lord, where he admitted his wrongdoing, surrendered his life to Jesus and made plans to obey. An actual change can come from an individual experience with Jesus Christ and bring on another life in relationship with him.
Paul believed that he was punishing blasphemers, but he pressed Christ himself. Any person who punishes Christians is liable for mistreating Jesus since today's believers are part of the body of Christ.
The men around Saul heard a voice but didn't see a man. Saul gets up, but he cannot see.
For three days, Saul is without sight, and he fasts.
Jonah spent three days in the belly of great fish, and Jesus was in the tomb for three days. The number three here signifies divine completeness.
Ananias was called by God and told to get Saul. God told Ananias that Saul was praying. Now you have a servant-seeking God. Ananias represents the doubting Christians.
Many give some excuse as to why God's plan doesn't work. Ananias brings up a negative, saying, “Not him, Lord. He would never turn into a Christian.”
It represented Anania's reaction when God advised him of Paul's change. When all things considered, Paul had sought after believers to their demise. Despite these reasonable sentiments, Ananias followed God and ministered to Paul.
You might be wondering why Paul was chosen. Paul is a chosen vessel.
He received the call of duty, and Ananias followed God's will. Your faith in Christ will bring incredible blessings and extraordinary sufferings too.
Paul also suffers over his faith, and God calls you for response and not relief. He promised to be with you through misery and difficulty.
Ananias discovered Paul as he had welcomed him as “Brother Saul.” Ananias dreaded this gathering since Paul had come to Damascus to punish the believers and take them in chains back to Jerusalem.
However, due to the submission to the Holy Spirit, you were welcomed affectionately. It's not easy to show love to other people, especially when you fear them or are uncertain.
You should follow Jesus' command and Ananias' model by showing love and acknowledgment to different believers.
Even though there's no dramatic filling of the Holy Spirit for Paul, his changed life and achievements became a solid witness of the Holy Spirit's power and presence.
The Holy Spirit filled up Paul when he regained his sight and was baptized. You see that Paul's physical and spiritual needs are met.
God's work can knock on a sinner's heart. Christians need encouragement occasionally to do what they are told to.
God had to do something to get man's attention. Spend some time alone and in prayer to seek God's will.
God answers in His time, not in your time.
Damascus experience meaning
The phrase Damascus road experience describes a dramatic conversion like the one Paul experienced. Some people receive Christ in a dramatic way, while others experience first a gradual transformation.
Both these experiences are genuine, and they are the work of the holy spirit according to his will.
Paul with a previous name, Saul, was on his way to Damascus to bring the letter from the temple's high priest. The letter gave him the authority to arrest any who belonged to the way or the followers of Jesus Christ.
Paul has opposed the name of Jesus of Nazareth in “raging fury” as he planned threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.
But the Lord interfered with his plans. Unexpectedly, a bright light from heaven flashed on him and his companions, causing them to fall.
The men who were with him will see the light, but they did not understand the voice who was speaking.
And Jesus spoke to Saul, asking him why he punished him. The Lord identified himself with his disciples and their sufferings. Then Paul asked him, “Who are you, Lord?” and Jesus replied, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” The identification that Jesus is the Christ marked the period of Saul's conversion and the conclusion of his persecuting anger.
This message represents that Paul's conscience had been resisting the power of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, the conversion of Saul is evidence of the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit to convict men of sin. Paul had believed that Jesus of Nazareth had disregarded the law of God.
After his conversion, Paul saw Jesus as the one who had come to save the world and uplift His Father's law. Now, he was convinced that Jesus was the originator of the whole Jewish system of sacrifices.
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Karen Hyman
Karen is a Psychic Medium, a Professional Astrologer, a Spiritual Advisor, and a Life Coach who has been in this career for 19+ years. She specializes in numerology, tarot and oracle cards, twin flames, love & relationships, zodiac, horoscope, dreams interpretation, and astrology. She aims to provide comfort and assurance using her abilities to offer answers to those who seek professional guidance. Read More About Karen Here.
