The Conversion of St. Paul

Last updated almost 6 years ago

4 questions

Note from the author:

A religion lesson

Read Acts of the Apostles 9:3–9

Carefully look at the painting below:  "The Conversion on the Way to Damascus,"  by Caravaggio, 1601

What is happening in this painting?

Who is the person laying on the ground? How does the artist call your attention to him?

Read the excerpt from Acts below 

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.  In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.  And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”  (Acts, 3: 10-14)

Imagine you were Ananais. How would you respond to the Lord?

Read Acts, 9: 15- 19 and 
look carefully at this painting, "Ananais Restoring the Sight of St. Paul", by Cortona, 1631.

The Conversion of St. Paul

What is happening in this painting?

Who is the person laying on the ground? How does the artist call your attention to him?

Imagine you were Ananais. How would you respond to the Lord?

How was St. Paul's sight restored? Explain in your own words.