WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2015 Theory — Question 14

Model answer

After the persecution of the disciples by Saul in Jerusalem, he collected letters from the high priest to the synagogue at Damascus, intending to arrest Christians and bring them to Jerusalem for persecution. As he approached Damascus, a light from heaven flashed about him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' Saul asked who was speaking and found out that it was Jesus he was persecuting. He was asked to get up, go to the city, and wait for further instructions. The men with Saul stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground but could see nothing; he was led to Damascus without his sight, and for three days neither ate nor drank. Ananias, a disciple at Damascus, was asked to go to the street called Straight and ask for Saul of Tarsus, who had been waiting to be healed. Ananias was unwilling to go because he had heard of the havoc that Saul had done to the saints at Jerusalem. God told Ananias to go and heal Saul because Saul was His chosen instrument to carry God's name to the Gentiles and kings. Ananias went, laid his hands on Saul and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the way has sent me that you may gain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately something like scales fell off his eyes; he regained his sight, was baptized, took food and was strengthened. At Damascus, he proclaimed in the synagogue that Jesus is the son of God.