What Is Damascus?
What Is Damascus? Damascus is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, famous in Scripture for Naaman's healing and Paul's dramatic conversion.
Key verse: Acts 9:3-5 (KJV)
Damascus is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, famous in Scripture for Naaman's healing and Paul's dramatic conversion.
Damascus is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, famous in Scripture for Naaman's healing and Paul's dramatic conversion.
"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined 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." — Acts 9:3-5 (KJV)
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The Biblical Answer
Damascus, the capital of modern Syria, is one of the oldest cities in the world, first mentioned in Genesis as the home of Abraham's servant Eliezer. It was a major trade center on the route between Mesopotamia and Egypt. In Scripture, Damascus is most associated with three events. First, Naaman the Syrian commander was healed of leprosy by Elisha's instruction to dip seven times in the Jordan River — a story that displays God's grace extending to Gentiles. Second, King David conquered Damascus and made it a tributary city. Third and most significantly, Saul of Tarsus was traveling to Damascus to persecute Christians when a blinding light from heaven knocked him to the ground and the risen Christ spoke to him: 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' Saul was converted, baptized, and began preaching Christ in the synagogues of Damascus. He later escaped the city by being lowered in a basket through a window in the wall. Damascus is a symbol of God's power to transform the worst enemy of the church into its greatest apostle.
Key Scripture References
"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined 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 immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."
"Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Paul the Apostle?
Paul was a Pharisee who violently persecuted Christians until a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him into the greatest missionary and theologian in church history.
Who Was Naaman in the Bible?
Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army whom Elisha healed of leprosy, demonstrating that God's grace extends to all nations through simple faith and obedience.
Who Was Elisha in the Bible?
Elisha was the prophet who succeeded Elijah. He received a double portion of Elijah's spirit and performed many miracles including healing Naaman's leprosy and raising a boy from the dead.
What Is the Significance of the Mount of Olives?
The Mount of Olives is a ridge east of Jerusalem deeply tied to Jesus' final week, His ascension, and His promised return.
What Is Gethsemane?
Gethsemane is the garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed in agony the night before His crucifixion and was betrayed by Judas.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Damascus in the Bible
One of the world's oldest cities and the site of Paul's dramatic conversion.
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The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
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