Commentary on the Gospel of
Paul is one of the most dynamic characters in Scripture. It’s no wonder then that many paintings depict the moment of his life celebrated in today’s feast. Countless paintings depict Paul being knocked from his horse on the way to Damascus. (Interestingly, Scripture never mentions a horse and it seems unlikely that a tent-maker like Paul would have owned one.) After encountering Jesus on the road, Paul completely changed his life. He went from persecuting followers of Christ and dragging them in chains to prison to being one of Christianity’s most eloquent supporters, preaching the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
One of the most fascinating elements of Paul’s conversion is that the encounter with Jesus left him unable to see and in need of help from his companions. His encounter with Jesus made him aware of his vulnerability and his need for others. Perhaps his reflection on this experience led to his brilliant theology of the Body of Christ and our need to be united in the Lord.
