Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Damascus » Paul's experiences in
neither went I up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and again returned to Damascus.
In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me;
as also the high priest testifies for me, and all the eldership; from whom, having received letters, I was journeying to Damascus, intending to bring those also who were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I was journeying, and was drawing nigh to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of the heaven; and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' read more.
And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'
And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'
Meanwhile as I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and a commission from the high priests, at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' read more.
And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I appeared to you for this end, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you saw Me, and of the things in which I will appear to you; delivering you from the people and the gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision; but I declared both to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and through all the region of Judea, and to the gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I appeared to you for this end, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you saw Me, and of the things in which I will appear to you; delivering you from the people and the gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision; but I declared both to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and through all the region of Judea, and to the gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
Paul » His vision and conversion
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are ye not my work in the Lord?
and, last of all, as to one born out of time, He appeared to me also.
I have thanks for Him Who empowered me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He accounted me faithful, putting me into His service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I, being ignorant, did it in unbelief;
For ye heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism; that, beyond measure, I was persecuting the assembly of God, and laying it waste;
And, as he was journeying, it came to pass, that he was drawing nigh to Damascus; and suddenly there flashed around him a light from Heaven; and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. read more.
But arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do." And the men who were journeying with him were standing speechless; hearing, indeed, the voice, but beholding no one. And Saul arose from the earth; and, his eyes being opened, he beheld nothing; but, taking him by the hand, they led him into Damascus. And he was three days without seeing; and he neither ate, nor drank. And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, Ananias by name; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias?" And he said, "Behold, I am here, Lord!" And the Lord said to him, "Arise, go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he is praying; and in a vision he saw a man, Ananias by name, coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive sight." And Ananias answered, "Lord, I heard from many concerning this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the high priests to bind all those calling on Thy name." But the Lord said to him, "Go your way; because this man is to Me a chosen vessel to bear My name before nations, and kings, and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake. And Ananias went away, and entered into the house; and, laying his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me??ven Jesus, Who appeared to you in the way in which you were coming, sent me, that you may receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." and straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received sight; and, arising, he was immersed; and, having taken food, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples in Damascus some days; and straightway in the synagogues he was preaching Jesus, that He is the Son of God. And all who heard were astonished, and said, "Is not this he who destroyed, in Jerusalem, those calling upon this name, and had come here for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the high priests?" But Saul was being more empowered, and was confounding the Jews who were dwelling in Damascus; proving that this is the Christ.
But arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do." And the men who were journeying with him were standing speechless; hearing, indeed, the voice, but beholding no one. And Saul arose from the earth; and, his eyes being opened, he beheld nothing; but, taking him by the hand, they led him into Damascus. And he was three days without seeing; and he neither ate, nor drank. And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, Ananias by name; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias?" And he said, "Behold, I am here, Lord!" And the Lord said to him, "Arise, go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he is praying; and in a vision he saw a man, Ananias by name, coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive sight." And Ananias answered, "Lord, I heard from many concerning this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the high priests to bind all those calling on Thy name." But the Lord said to him, "Go your way; because this man is to Me a chosen vessel to bear My name before nations, and kings, and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake. And Ananias went away, and entered into the house; and, laying his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me??ven Jesus, Who appeared to you in the way in which you were coming, sent me, that you may receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." and straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received sight; and, arising, he was immersed; and, having taken food, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples in Damascus some days; and straightway in the synagogues he was preaching Jesus, that He is the Son of God. And all who heard were astonished, and said, "Is not this he who destroyed, in Jerusalem, those calling upon this name, and had come here for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the high priests?" But Saul was being more empowered, and was confounding the Jews who were dwelling in Damascus; proving that this is the Christ.
and I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women; as also the high priest testifies for me, and all the eldership; from whom, having received letters, I was journeying to Damascus, intending to bring those also who were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I was journeying, and was drawing nigh to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of the heaven; read more.
and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance; and saw Him, saying to me, 'Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that I was imprisoning and beating, throughout the synagogues, those believing on Thee;
and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance; and saw Him, saying to me, 'Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that I was imprisoning and beating, throughout the synagogues, those believing on Thee;
I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene; which also I did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints also did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the high priests; and, when they were being put to death, I have given a vote against them; and, punishing them often throughout all the synagogues, I was compelling them to blaspheme; and, being exceedingly enraged against them, I was persecuting them even unto foreign cities. read more.
Meanwhile as I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and a commission from the high priests, at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.
Meanwhile as I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and a commission from the high priests, at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.
Paul » His defense
Then the chief captain, coming near, laid hold of him, and ordered that he be bound with two chains; and he was inquiring who he was, and what he had done. And some shouted one thing, some another, among the crowd; and, when he could not ascertain the certainty because of the tumult, he ordered that he be brought into the castle. And, when he came upon the stairway, it happened that he was borne along by the soldiers on account of the violence of the multitude; read more.
for the throng of the people was following after, crying out, "Away with him!" And, when about to be led into the castle, Paul says to the chief captain, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? Are you not, then, the Egyptian who, before these days, caused a revolt, and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?" But Paul said, "I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I beseech you, permit me to speak to the people." And, when he gave him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people; and, when there was great silence, he spake to them in the Hebrew language, saying:
for the throng of the people was following after, crying out, "Away with him!" And, when about to be led into the castle, Paul says to the chief captain, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? Are you not, then, the Egyptian who, before these days, caused a revolt, and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?" But Paul said, "I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I beseech you, permit me to speak to the people." And, when he gave him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people; and, when there was great silence, he spake to them in the Hebrew language, saying:
"Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now make to you." And, hearing that he was speaking to them in the Hebrew language, they kept more quiet; and he says, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been trained according to the exactness of the ancestral law, being zealous for God, even as ye all are to-day; read more.
and I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women; as also the high priest testifies for me, and all the eldership; from whom, having received letters, I was journeying to Damascus, intending to bring those also who were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I was journeying, and was drawing nigh to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of the heaven; and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance; and saw Him, saying to me, 'Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that I was imprisoning and beating, throughout the synagogues, those believing on Thee; and, when the blood of Stephen, Thy witness, was poured forth, I myself also was standing by, and approving, and guarding the garments of those who slew him. And He said to me, 'Depart, because I will send you far hence to the gentiles.'
and I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women; as also the high priest testifies for me, and all the eldership; from whom, having received letters, I was journeying to Damascus, intending to bring those also who were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I was journeying, and was drawing nigh to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of the heaven; and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance; and saw Him, saying to me, 'Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that I was imprisoning and beating, throughout the synagogues, those believing on Thee; and, when the blood of Stephen, Thy witness, was poured forth, I myself also was standing by, and approving, and guarding the garments of those who slew him. And He said to me, 'Depart, because I will send you far hence to the gentiles.'
Persecution » The world persecuting jesus Christ
And they, having heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "Lord, Thou Who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all things in them; Who, through the Holy Spirit by the mouth of our father David, Thy servant, didst say, 'Why did the gentiles rage, and the peoples premeditate empty things? The kings of the earth did set themselves in array; and the rulers assembled together, against the Lord, and against His Christ.' read more.
For, of a truth, there were gathered together in this city, against Thy Holy Child Jesus, Whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles and peoples of Israel??28 to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel predetermined to come to pass.
For, of a truth, there were gathered together in this city, against Thy Holy Child Jesus, Whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles and peoples of Israel??28 to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel predetermined to come to pass.
And Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, going to the high priest, asked from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that, if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And, as he was journeying, it came to pass, that he was drawing nigh to Damascus; and suddenly there flashed around him a light from Heaven; read more.
and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.
and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that bears not fruit, He taketh it away: and every one that bears fruit, He cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. read more.
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, unless ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit; because, apart from Me, ye can do nothing. Unless one abides in Me, he was cast forth as a branch, and withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done to you. In this was My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, and become My disciples. Even as the Father loved Me, I also loved you; abide in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that ye love one another, even as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his soul for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves; because the slave knows not what his lord is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things which I heard from My Father I made known to you. Ye did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye may love one another. If the world hates you, ye know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, on this account the world hates you. Remember the word which I spake to you, 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do to you for My name's sake; because they know not Him Who sent Me. "Had I not come and spoken to them, they had not had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. Had I not done among them the works which no other did, they would not have had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father; but this they do, that the word may be fulfilled, which has been written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, unless ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit; because, apart from Me, ye can do nothing. Unless one abides in Me, he was cast forth as a branch, and withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done to you. In this was My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, and become My disciples. Even as the Father loved Me, I also loved you; abide in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that ye love one another, even as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his soul for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves; because the slave knows not what his lord is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things which I heard from My Father I made known to you. Ye did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye may love one another. If the world hates you, ye know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, on this account the world hates you. Remember the word which I spake to you, 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do to you for My name's sake; because they know not Him Who sent Me. "Had I not come and spoken to them, they had not had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. Had I not done among them the works which no other did, they would not have had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father; but this they do, that the word may be fulfilled, which has been written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'
The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who made him well. And, on this account, the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the sabbath. But He answered them, "My Father worketh even until now, and I work." read more.
For this cause, therefore, the Jews were seeking the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the sabbath, but also called God His Father, making Himself equal with God.
For this cause, therefore, the Jews were seeking the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the sabbath, but also called God His Father, making Himself equal with God.
And it came to pass, that, as I was journeying, and was drawing nigh to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of the heaven; and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.'