11. In every synagogue, I often punished them and tried to make them speak against Jesus. I was so angry against them I even went to other cities to find them and punish them.
12. “One time the leading priests gave me permission and the power to go to Damascus.
13. On the way there, at noon, I saw a light from heaven. It was brighter than the sun and flashed all around me and those who were traveling with me.
14. We all fell to the ground. Then I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language, saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are only hurting yourself by fighting me.’
15. I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.
16. Stand up! I have chosen you to be my servant and my witness—you will tell people the things that you have seen and the things that I will show you. This is why I have come to you today.
17. I will keep you safe from your own people and also from the others. I am sending you to them