It was on the last, probably the sixth day[779] of this long journey, that about noon (Acts xxii. 6, xxvi. 13), when the sun was burning with the fulness of its noontide heat, that the beautiful city[780] appeared in view. But just as the object of his journey seemed to be attained, suddenly a light, brighter even than that fiery sun, flashed upon the persecutor and his companions (Acts ix. 6, xxvi. 13). Struck dumb with fear he and they fell to the ground (Acts ix. 7, xxvi. 14), and then from the inmost depths of the incomprehensible light there came a Voice, which all heard, but one only was enabled to understand[781] (Acts xxii. 9, ix. 8), and a Form appeared, which none saw save one, the persecutor himself (Acts xxii. 14; 1 Cor. xv. 8). _Saul, Saul_, said the Voice in distinct articulate words _in the Hebrew tongue_ (Acts xxvi. 14), why _persecutest thou ME?_ _Who art Thou, Lord?_ replied the stunned and confused Pharisee. _I am JESUS_, was the answer, _Whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the goad_[782] (Acts xxvi. 14). Trembling and astonished the persecutor went on, _Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?_ and in reply was directed to _arise and go into the city_, and there it should be told him what he was to do (Acts ix. 11). Thereupon he arose, but when he opened his eyes, all was dark around, for they were blinded by the brightness of the light and the majesty of the Son of God. His companions who had _stood speechless_ listening to the _voice[783], but seeing no man_ (Acts ix. 7), now took him by the hand (Acts ix. 8), and led him into the city, and through the street called “Straight[784]” to the abode of one Judas (Acts ix. 11). For three days the blindness continued, and during this period he neither ate nor drank (Acts ix. 9), but remained engaged in solitary prayer (Acts ix. 11) unvisited either by the Christians, who had been alarmed by the intelligence of his approach, or the Jews, who could not sympathise with his present condition. At length one drew near to reveal the Divine will respecting him[785]. There was living at this time in Damascus a disciple named Ananias, held in high estimation amongst all the Jews resident there (Acts xxii. 12). To him the Lord appeared in a vision, and bade him seek out in the house of Judas for one called Saul, for _behold he was praying_, and had seen in a vision a man coming in, and laying his hand upon him that he might recover his sight. At first Ananias would have declined the mission, knowing well the character of him to whom he was to go, and the purpose for which he had visited Damascus. But his objections were overruled; he who had been a persecutor was designed by the Lord to do great things, and to him he must go (Acts ix. 11–16).