His journey was almost accomplished. Already the walls of the then beautiful city were within his sight; his heart beat high with triumph, when suddenly he was stayed, and, swifter than gleam of lightning, an unnatural brilliancy encompassed Saul and his attendants, who, confused and dazzled, fell prostrate on the ground.
A voice from heaven was heard—not in tones of anger or reproach, to terrify the bold persecutor of Christians, but sweetly, softly, sorrowfully it sounded in his ear, speaking words which none but he could understand—
"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?"
Oh, wondrous power of the gentleness of Jesus! The haughty Pharisee became in that brief moment humble and yielding as a little child, and answered, "Who art thou, Lord?"
"I am Jesus whom thou persecutest," said the heavenly voice.
Those who were with Saul heard not these words, nor was it permitted them to see Christ. They were only conscious of the overwhelming brilliancy of the flood of light, and knew too that a strange voice seemed speaking—the privilege of beholding in vision the Saviour of the world was reserved for the man who had so deeply grieved Him.
"Lord, what wouldst Thou have me to do?" inquired the now humbled Pharisee, and the answer came at once—
"Go into the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou shalt do."