7
and I fell to the ground, dazed. I heard a voice: 'Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?'
8
"'Who are you, Master?' I asked.
9
My companions saw the light, but they didn't hear the conversation.
10
"Then I said, 'What do I do now, Master?'
11
And so we entered Damascus, but nothing like the entrance I had planned - I was blind as a bat and my companions had to lead me in by the hand.
12
"And that's when I met Ananias, a man with a sterling reputation in observing our laws - the Jewish community in Damascus is unanimous on that score.
13
He came and put his arm on my shoulder. 'Look up,' he said. I looked, and found myself looking right into his eyes - I could see again!
14
"Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has handpicked you to be briefed on his plan of action. You've actually seen the Righteous Innocent and heard him speak.
15
You are to be a key witness to everyone you meet of what you've seen and heard.
16
So what are you waiting for? Get up and get yourself baptized, scrubbed clean of those sins and personally acquainted with God.'
17
"Well, it happened just as Ananias said. After I was back in Jerusalem and praying one day in the Temple, lost in the presence of God,