I Was Not Disobedient”
Upon the steps he raised his hand,
Spoke in Hebrew to the land.
Silence fell upon the stair,
As Paul began his story there:
“I am a Jew, born far away
In Tarsus, yet in this city raised.
At Gamaliel’s feet I learned
The Law for which my zeal once burned.
I persecuted this very Way,
Bound believers day by day.
From high priest letters I obtained
To Damascus I was sent in chains.
But near that city, midday bright,
A sudden blaze of heavenly light
Fell around me — to the ground
I heard a voice with holy sound:
‘Saul, Saul, why persecute Me?’
‘Who are You, Lord?’ I said in plea.
‘I am Jesus, Nazareth’s Name —
The One you strike, the risen Flame.’”
Blinded, led by others’ hand,
I entered Damascus land.
A devout man named Ananias
Came by God’s own holy bias.
“Brother Saul, receive your sight.”
And I saw again that light.
He said, “The God our fathers knew
Has chosen you to see the Righteous One
And hear His voice.
You will witness what you’ve seen —
Be baptized, wash away your sin,
Calling on His Name within.”
Back in Jerusalem at prayer,
A trance of vision met me there.
I saw the Lord who said to me,
“Leave this city speedily.
They will not receive your word.”
I answered how I once had stirred
Against believers, standing by
When Stephen fell beneath the sky.
But He said, “Go far away —
To Gentiles you will carry My way.”
Chorus
I was not disobedient
To the vision from above.
From persecutor turned to sent,
By mercy, truth, and love.
Up to that word they listened still —
But “Gentiles” stirred their rage and will.
“Rid the earth of such a man!”
They cried with garments in their hands.
Dust flew high in heated air,
As soldiers brought him from the stair.
The commander ordered then
That scourging test the truth of men.
But Paul spoke quietly that hour:
“Is it lawful by your power
To scourge a Roman uncondemned?”
Fear fell quick among the men.
The tribune came, “Are you one?”
“I am,” he said — by birth begun.
With chains removed, yet still confined,
The mystery of his charge to find,
He set him next before the council —
The story onward still would travel.
Chorus
I was not disobedient
To the Lord who called my name.
Through chains and trials evident,
I testify the same.
