Cipher 54. Conversion of Paul (Acts 9:3-18)
1. WHO? (9:3-4) As Saul (Paul) journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven:
2. WHY the light? (9:4-5) Saul fell upon the earth, heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? I am Jesus whom thou persecutes.
3. HOW to proceed? (9:5) Rise, and enter into the city,
4. WHAT to do? (9:6) And it shall be told thee what thou must do
5. WHEN? (9:9) And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink
6. WHERE? (9:10) Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias;
7. WHICH way? (9:17-18) Ananias laid his hands on Saul who was filled with the Holy Spirit. and straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized.
Commentary: Saul of Tarsus, a Jewish Pharisee from the tribe of Benjamin, was conscripted through the cross above by the Son of God as the 13th Apostle to bring the Gospel of Grace to the Gentiles. Jesus spent three days in the grave before the fourth step result through the cross, he arose. Like Jesus, Paul spent three days blinded before the fourth step result through the cross, he received his sight and was baptized. So, Paul was baptized through the complete cross as explained in the authority to baptize Cipher 35. Through this authoritative baptism, inspired by the Son of God, (Christ Jesus) Paul received authority to bring the Gospel of Grace to the Gentiles. Since Saul was a Roman citizen from birth, he also had the name of Paul. Like Jesus, Paul taught the Cross as will be shown with forthcoming Ciphers.