DID PAUL JUST HEAR JESUS’ VOICE, OR DID HE SEE HIM, TOO?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“I thought that Paul just heard Jesus’ voice but did not see Him? Is this correct?”

That is incorrect. According to the Bible, Paul not only heard Jesus Christ, but he also saw Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (not including other times).

Acts chapter 26 is Paul’s own words on the subject: “[14] And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. [15] And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;… [19] Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:”

The sight of that glory of Christ is what blinded Paul for three days. Acts 22:11 comments: “And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.” Acts chapter 9 provides additional commentary: “[8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. [9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.”

Acts 9:17 also says: “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” We consult Acts 22:13-14: “[13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. [14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.”

Notice, the Bible says Paul heard and saw Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. Acts 26:16 asserts Paul saw Jesus Christ on various other occasions after Acts chapter 9: “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;….” And, 2 Corinthians 12:1: “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” These were not visions and revelations “from” the Lord but rather “of” the Lord. Paul saw the Lord Jesus Christ in His ascended form on innumerable occasions. “And last of all, he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8).

Also see:
» Did Saul of Tarsus ever meet Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry?
» Could you explain Paul’s first miracle?
» Did Peter and Paul preach the same Gospel?