Acts 9:9 – “For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes what happened to Saul after his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had been struck blind by the bright light of Christ’s glory (Acts 9:3-8) and was now completely helpless. For three days, he remained in darkness, unable to see. During this time, he also chose not to eat or drink anything.
Saul’s blindness was not just physical—it represented the deep spiritual blindness he had been living in. His entire worldview had been shattered. He had spent years believing he was doing God’s will by persecuting Christians, only to be confronted by Jesus Himself. Now, in the silence and darkness of those three days, he had time to reflect and process what had just happened.
His decision to fast—going without food or drink—suggests that he was deeply troubled, possibly repenting, praying, and waiting for further direction from God. This was a period of preparation for what was coming next.
Historical Context
Saul was a Pharisee, highly educated in Jewish law and extremely zealous for his faith (Philippians 3:4-6). He had dedicated himself to eliminating what he saw as a dangerous movement—the followers of Jesus. With official approval from the high priest, he had set out for Damascus to arrest Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial (Acts 9:1-2).
But on the way, Jesus Himself intervened, appearing to Saul in a vision and striking him blind. Being blind in the ancient world was devastating. Without sight, a person was completely dependent on others. Saul, who had been strong and self-reliant, was now weak and helpless.
His three-day fast reflects a common practice in Jewish tradition when someone was in deep mourning, repentance, or seeking God’s guidance (Esther 4:16, Jonah 3:5-10). Saul’s entire belief system had been turned upside down, and these three days marked a time of soul-searching before God revealed the next step through Ananias (Acts 9:10-12).
Theological Implications
- God uses waiting and silence for spiritual transformation. Saul did not immediately receive all the answers. He had to sit in the dark for three days, reflecting on what had happened. Sometimes, God allows periods of silence and waiting to deepen our faith and prepare us for what’s next.
- True repentance involves humility and surrender. Saul had been proud and powerful, but now he was completely dependent on others. His time of fasting and blindness was a humbling experience, preparing his heart for the new calling God was about to give him.
- God’s discipline leads to renewal. This was not punishment—it was preparation. Saul’s blindness and fasting were part of God’s process of breaking him down in order to build him up into the man He had chosen to be (Acts 9:15).
Literary Analysis
Luke, the writer of Acts, emphasizes the “three days” to create a sense of completion and transformation. In the Bible, periods of three days often signal a time of significant change:
- Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days before being released (Jonah 1:17).
- Jesus was in the tomb for three days before rising again (Matthew 12:40).
The silence in this verse is also powerful. Unlike the previous verses, where Saul was speaking and questioning (Acts 9:5), here he says nothing. The absence of words highlights his deep reflection and transformation.
His fasting—“he did not eat or drink anything”—suggests both physical weakness and spiritual searching. In Jewish culture, fasting was often associated with seeking God in times of distress or repentance (Joel 2:12).
Biblical Cross-References
- Jonah 1:17 – Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days, a time of reflection before being given a new mission.
- Esther 4:16 – Esther and the Jews fasted for three days before she approached the king.
- Matthew 12:40 – Jesus compares His three days in the tomb to Jonah’s experience, highlighting a period of transformation before resurrection.
- Acts 9:15 – Later in this chapter, God reveals that Saul is His chosen instrument to spread the gospel.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse teaches that waiting and suffering can be part of God’s plan to prepare us for something greater. Saul’s blindness and fasting were not meaningless—they were a time of transition from his old life to the new mission God had for him.
Many times, God allows us to go through difficult seasons where we feel lost, confused, or unsure of the next step. Just like Saul, we may have to sit in silence before we receive clear direction. These waiting periods can be frustrating, but they are often necessary for spiritual growth.
This verse also reminds us that true transformation begins with humility. Saul had to let go of his pride and self-reliance before God could use him. The same is true for us—God often brings us to a place of surrender before leading us into His purpose for our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, Saul’s blindness and suffering might seem harsh. But when we look closer, we see that this was an act of love. Instead of judging Saul for his persecution of Christians, Jesus chose to stop him and give him a new purpose.
God’s love is often seen in His discipline. He doesn’t allow us to continue on the wrong path unchecked. Instead, He steps in and redirects us, even if it means we have to go through discomfort or waiting. Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Saul’s three days of blindness were a sign of God’s love, preparing him for a new life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse ties directly to Jesus’ own death and resurrection. Just as Jesus spent three days in the grave before rising again, Saul spent three days in darkness before receiving new life and a new calling. His physical blindness symbolized his spiritual death, and his healing in the following verses symbolized his new life in Christ.
Jesus often spoke about spiritual blindness, saying in John 9:39, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Saul, who thought he could see clearly, was made blind so that he could truly understand the truth.
Later, Paul would write in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Saul’s three-day transformation was the beginning of his new life as the Apostle Paul, a man who would dedicate the rest of his life to spreading the message of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Saul had to experience blindness for three days?
- Have you ever gone through a period of waiting where God seemed silent? What did you learn from that time?
- How does this verse challenge our understanding of suffering and hardship?
- What can we learn from Saul’s willingness to fast and reflect during this time?
- How does this verse encourage us when we feel lost or unsure of God’s plan for our lives?