First ReadingActs 9:1-20
From the Acts of the Apostles
1But Saul, still breathing threatsand slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,went to the high priest2and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus,that if he found any who were of the Way,whether men or women,he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.3As he traveled, he got close to Damascus,and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.4He fell on the earth,and heard a voice saying to him,“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5He said, “Who are you, Lord?”
The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.6But rise up and enter into the city,then you will be told what you must do.”
7The men who traveled with him stood speechless,hearing the sound,but seeing no one.8Saul arose from the ground,and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one.They led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.9He was without sight for three days,and neither ate nor drank.
10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias.The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
He said, “Behold, it’s me, Lord.”
11The Lord said to him,“Arise and go to the street which is called Straight,and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus.For behold, he is praying,12and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming inand laying his hands on him,that he might receive his sight.”
13But Ananias answered,“Lord, I have heard from many about this man,how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.14Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind allwho call on your name.”
15But the Lord said to him,“Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings,and the children of Israel.16For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
17Ananias departed and entered into the house.Laying his hands on him,he said, “Brother Saul,the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came,has sent me that you may receive your sightand be filled with the Holy Spirit.”18Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes,and he received his sight.He arose and was baptized.19He took food and was strengthened.
Saul stayed several days with the discipleswho were at Damascus.20Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ,that he is the Son of God.