Paul's encounter with the living Christ on the road to Damascus was the major turning point of his life. Although the other apostles spread the good news about Jesus in other geographical regions, the Acts narrative, especially from chapter 13, focuses almost exclusively on Paul's ministry to the Gentiles west into Asia Minor and subsequently to Europe.
So significant was this encounter for Paul that his description of the event features twice more in the Acts narrative: in addressing the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem (Acts 22:5-16) and when stating his case before Porcius Festus and Herod Agrippa (Acts 26:12-20), at Caesarea Maratima.
While actually in Damascus, Paul is said to be located in Straight Street and to have escaped the city by being lowered from the walls.
There are multiple references to Damascus throughout scripture. I have chosen to list only those associated with the apostle Paul.
As of 2024 the long-running civil war in Syria seems to have come to an end. A future visit does now seem possible.
Click here for a Google Earth view of Damascus.
These coordinates are for Bab Sharq - traditionally the 'Straight Street' of Acts 9.