Overview
Damascus is one of the most frequently mentioned foreign cities in Scripture. It appears in patriarchal, royal, and prophetic contexts and becomes especially important in Acts through the conversion of Saul.
Key Scripture
- Genesis 14:15
- 1 Kings 11:23–25
- 2 Kings 8
- Isaiah 7–8
- Jeremiah 49:23–27
- Acts 9:1–25
- Acts 22:6–16
- Acts 26:12–20
Old Testament Role
Damascus is associated with Aramean power north of Israel and appears repeatedly in conflicts, alliances, and prophetic oracles.
Saul’s Conversion
Acts records Saul traveling toward Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus when he encounters the risen Christ. He enters the city blind, is visited by Ananias, and begins proclaiming Jesus.
Research Notes
Methodology: Biblical and historical. Damascus has a long settlement history, so archaeological evidence should be linked carefully to the relevant biblical period rather than treated as a single undifferentiated layer.