4 I persecuted this Way to the death, arresting and imprisoning both men and women,
5 as even the high priest and the council of elders bear witness of me. From them I received letters to the brothers in Damascus, where I went to take even those who were there and lead them in chains to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “As I journeyed and came near Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.
7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’
8 “I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’“He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
9 Those who were with me saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who was speaking to me.
10 “I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’“The Lord said to me, ‘Rise and go into Damascus. There you will be told what you have been appointed to do.’