The Hodos experience

How many sermons have you heard about the "Damascus-experience"?

Some law-preachers even teach that everyone should have a "Damascus-experience" before being fully converted.

So, what does it mean ... and what really happened?

In Acts 9:1-22 we read all about Paul's "Damascus-experience".

In verse 2 the fuming Paul seeks written permission from the chief-law-preacher to bound and take captive anyone belonging to "the Way" (hodos) and bring them to Jerusalem to be persecuted.

Hodos is a Greek word that means: of the course, way, road, conviction, thinking, route,  conduct ...

Hodos refers to the believers, those founded and routed in Christ Jesus, the Way Himself.

Remember how Jesus referred to Himself in John 14:6? when He said: "I am the way (Hodos), the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

We know how the story continues. Paul travels to Damascus (dûmeśeq or דּמּשׂק directly translated as "silent is the sackcloth weaver" and Hebrew pictograph depicting: the door of the Mighty destroyed by own persuasion) and as he came near, a bright light from heaven caused him to fall from his horse and he couldn't see even though his eyes were open.

Sad situation for someone with open eyes and own convictions in terms of the law!

However, it turns interesting as Jesus tells him to Arise, and go into the city (of own persuasion), and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Even more interesting as God tells a person with the significant name of Ananias (Chănanyâh - YHVH is gracious or YHVH is Grace) to go to the street called Straight  (euthus or straight, well-placed, upright, true, sincere) and lay hands on Paul that he might see (Sight or anablepō - to look up; by implication to recover sight: - look (up), see, receive sight). Ananias debates a little with God, but eventually goes.

Verse 17 is particularly interesting.  Here we find that Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Let's translate some of this with some liberty:

The Grace of YHVH went and entered the very person; took hold of him by assuring him, Desired brother, Jesus the very manifestation of God, Who appeared to you as the Way (Hodos) through all that you endured, has sent me (Spirit of Grace) that you may be recovered from above and be filled with Me!

What happened then?

Immediately that which caused Paul not to see the Truth fell of (the vail - 2 Cor 3:13) and he was recovered and was baptized (i.e. proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus).

Verse 22 says that straight-away Paul started preaching Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God! He grew in strength and confronted those captive by the law in their own persuasion.

HalleluYAH!

Interesting that all this came about by YHVH is Grace ...

Don't miss our next post on the "Sufferings of Paul"...