One wonders how the Christians at Damascus prayed as the persecutor Saul approached. The Bible, of course, doesn't say, but we have evidence that their prayers were effective. So much so, that a new era opened for the world. Because of Saul's conversion, Christ Jesus would now be preached to the Gentiles by this "chosen vessel," and it was the former persecutor of Christians who would be in the forefront of this advance.
The whole scenario seems impelled by something larger than the principals involved. The irony of the story is that Saul the persecutor became Paul the persecuted. For generations of Christians, his life has been an example of how to overcome persecution.
Jesus had prophesied that persecution would challenge those who obediently take up the cross. He foretold, "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." John 16:2. The Master's words concerning future persecution of his followers may still tend to evoke disbelief. Or reference to his words may bring forth the comment "Oh, let's not put too much emphasis on that aspect of Jesus' 'negative' predictions, or we're likely to become gloomy or fearful." Yet Jesus' teachings remain clear. His faithful followers will have tremendous obstacles to overcome, but they can overcome them as he did.
