Today I am wondering about bystanders and how, or even IF, they are impacted by what they witness. I believe they are but often we never know. The example I am pondering is the Road to Damascus bystanders. The Book of Acts tells us in Chapter 9, that Saul/Paul had men traveling with him on his journey of persecution to Damascus. These men heard the voice of the Lord Jesus, just like Saul/Paul, although they were not physically blinded nor was the voice of Jesus personally addressing them. They saw the light surround Paul, saw Paul fall to the ground, heard him inquire of the voice, heard the answer, and saw Paul arise blinded.
We know what occurs in Paul’s life after that for much of the rest of the New Testament either tells us or is actually written by Paul. We hear nothing more of those traveling with him on the Road to Damascus.
Their hearts were murderous just as Paul’s was. They were on the same mission of persecution as Paul was. They, too, had a Road to Damascus experience. They saw and knew of Paul’s blinding and his healing. They knew of his conversion.
What happened next for them? Did they join Paul? They certainly heard the risen Jesus. Were their hearts changed? We don’t know.
I’m being a bit more careful and a bit more explicit when I seek a Road to Damascus experience for someone.
Just Sayin' 