“In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
Comment: Paul continues his story, his defence before this significant group of Roman dignitaries. He continues on his first part, discussed yesterday by confessing his bitter persecution of the Christians on behalf of those who were now accusing him. In other words this past was well known to the Jews. Next he describes his meeting with Jesus appearing to him and quotes, presumably almost verbatim what, in that blinding vision, the heavenly speaker had said to him (the words underlined in the quoted passage). He says that he did what he was told! He preached repentance, turning to God (belief) and then living good lives of good works.
Prayer: May I always be as quick and obedient to what You say to me, O Lord.
As I read it! 