The Conversion and Healing of Saul

Saul, the persecutor of Christ, having met the risen Lord on the road to Damascus, is thrown from his horse and blinded by the light from heaven that flashes about him (Acts 9:3-19).
On the east side of the capital the image of Christ floats amid sweeping clouds over Saul, who lies on the ground. Below the figure of Christ with cruciform nimbus, beard and long hair, the painted sigma IHS can be recognized on the kalathos. With his raised hand Christ points to Saul, who is dressed in a short tunic and soldier’s mantle, and who can also be recognized by his half-bald head. Saul wields his sword in one hand and a scroll in the other. The scene is observed by one of men travelling with Saul, who stands on the north-east corner of the capital and folds his hands over his breast as he listens to the voice from heaven.
The figures on the south side and south-east corner, on the other hand, cannot be clearly or unequivocally interpreted. The corner figure, whose head has been lost, clutches at the second figure behind him, who raises his right hand. Probably the scene in question is that of the travelling companions who lead Saul to Damascus (Acts 9:7-8). On the west side the blinded Saul lies in bed; his pillow is adorned with a lattice-like pattern. A figure is bending over him, but of this man only the contours and the left hand holding a staff have been preserved; he is apparently touching Saul with his other hand. There can be no doubt that the figure in question is that of Ananias, who lays his hands on the blinded Saul and heals him (Acts 9:17). The north side of the capital shows a beardless man with curly hair holding a bowl of food and a piece of bread. The scene illustrates the biblical passage: “And [he] took food and was strengthened” (Acts 9:19).

Saint Paul blindness Saul Christ IHS sword scroll Ananias apostle