The conversion of St Paul on the road to Damascus is one of the most famous and enduring Bible stories. It is commonly cited as an example of divine intervention, but is there a better explanation? Some in the medical community certainly think so.

Saul of Taurus, as St Paul was originally known, was a noted persecutor of the early Christian Church until he decided to journey from Jerusalem to Damascus. As he neared the city, a light from heaven flashed all around him. Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” It was Jesus reprimanding the future saint for his bad attitude.

The Bible records that: “…the men which journeyed with [Saul] stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.