stians. His illumination occurred shortly after the crucifixion,
probably within two or three years.

In Acts, chapter 8-9, we read:

"And Saul was consenting unto his death (Stephen). And at that time there
was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem and they
were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea, and Samaria,
except the apostles.

"And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation
over him.

"As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and
hailing men and women, committed them to prison.

"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings, and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest and desired of him letters
to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether
they were men or women, he might bring them bound, unto Jerusalem.

"And as he journeyed he came near unto Damascus, and suddenly there shone
round about him a light from heaven.

"And he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him: 'Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me?'

"And he said: 'Who art thou, Lord?' And the Lord said: 'I am Jesus, whom
thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.'

"And he trembling and astonished, said: 'Lord, what wilt thou have me do?'

"And the Lord said unto him: 'Arise and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do.'

"And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but
seeing no man.

"And Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened he saw no
man; but they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

"And he was three days without sight and neither did eat nor drink.

"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, and to him
said the Lord in a vision: 'Ananias;' and he said: 'Lord, behold, I am
here.' And the Lord said unto him: 'Arise and go into the street called
Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus;
for behold, he prayeth. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias
coming in and putting his hand on him that he might receive his sight.'
Then Ananias answered: 'Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done by thy saints at Jerusalem. And here he hath authority
from the high priests to bind all that call on thy name.' But the Lord said
unto him: 'Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name
before the G