Who Was Saul in the Bible? Acts 9:1–19
Saul was not a vague background figure but a named opponent of the early church, armed with letters to arrest believers. On the road to Damascus the risen Jesus stopped him, blinded him for three days, and sent Ananias to name him a chosen vessel who would suffer for that name.
Why Did Jesus Blind Saul on the Damascus Road?
Jesus blinded Saul to stop the persecution and to reveal himself as the risen Lord Saul was attacking. The blindness held Saul in place until the Lord's word came through Ananias.
Barnabas in Acts 9: The Man Who Vouched for Saul
Barnabas appears in Acts 9 as the disciple who took Saul to the apostles and gave evidence of his encounter with the Lord, turning a feared stranger into a received brother.
Barnabas: The Man Who Vouched for Saul
When the Jerusalem disciples were afraid of Saul, one man staked his reputation on him. Acts 9:26–28 introduces Barnabas as the trusted mediator who brought Saul to the apostles and told them what God had done.