Something Like Scales Fell from His Eyes (act 9:18)

God often uses visible, physical experiences to reveal invisible spiritual realities. This pattern is seen throughout the Bible and continues to be true today. One striking example is when Jesus healed the demon-possessed man. After Jesus cast the demons out, they entered a herd of pigs, which immediately rushed into a lake and drowned (Luke 8:33). This wasn’t just a dramatic event—it symbolized something deeper. It showed that the true purpose of demonic forces is to bring destruction. Their mission is exactly what Jesus described in

John 10:10: “

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

Contrary to some cultural or religious beliefs, there is no such thing as a “good demon” or a “friendly spirit.” Any spiritual force not from God is ultimately working toward destruction. Even if it seems harmless, its goal is to separate a person from the life of God. That’s why having any evil spirit, no matter how subtle, is spiritually dangerous.

Take another example from the Gospels.

In Mark 9:22, a father brings his tormented son to Jesus and says,

“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him.”

The demon’s purpose was clear: to destroy the boy’s life. Even today, if someone is under the influence of a spirit—such as lust, addiction, pride, or anger—it’s not just about bad habits. Spiritually speaking, those forces want to lead the person into ruin, sickness, or even death, and ultimately, eternal separation from God.

This is why salvation and spiritual deliverance are so critical. God sometimes allows visible events to reflect someone’s inner condition, just as He did with Saul (later known as Paul).

Paul’s Encounter with Jesus: A Revelation of Inner Blindness

Saul was a zealous Pharisee, sincerely believing he was serving God by persecuting Christians. On his way to Damascus, he encountered the risen Jesus in a blinding light (Acts 9:3–6). That light was so intense that he became physically blind. But this blindness was more than a physical condition—it was a reflection of Saul’s true spiritual state.

For three days he remained blind until a disciple named Ananias, obeying God’s instruction, came to pray for him. What followed was both physical and symbolic:

Acts 9:17–18 (NIV)
“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road… has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.”

The “scales” falling from Paul’s eyes were more than a medical detail—they symbolized the lifting of spiritual blindness. Paul had been sincere in his religion but sincerely wrong. He couldn’t see the truth of Jesus Christ until God removed the spiritual veil.

Spiritual Blindness Today: How It Works

These “scales” still exist today in people’s spiritual lives. Someone might be well-educated, financially successful, or even religious—but still be blind to the truth of the gospel. As Paul himself later explained:

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NIV)
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ.”

Spiritual blindness doesn’t always mean failure in life. You may be skilled in many things but completely blind to the things of God. When someone hears the message of the cross and finds it foolish or irrelevant, it’s a sign that their spiritual eyes are covered. Even warnings about hell or testimonies of salvation don’t move them. They remain stuck in sinful patterns, such as drunkenness or sexual immorality, while clinging to religious identity without transformation.

In some cases, the blindness is so deep that the person actively resists the gospel—just like Paul did before his conversion. But after his encounter with Jesus, everything changed. Once the scales were removed, he became one of the most passionate advocates for the message he once tried to destroy.

Galatians 1:23–24 (NIV):
“They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me.”

Final Warning: Don’t Let the Scales Stay

Satan’s strategy hasn’t changed. He still works to blind people spiritually—keeping them from seeing their need for salvation while they’re still alive.

Hebrews 3:15 (NIV):
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

If these spiritual scales are never removed, the consequences are eternal. Jesus spoke clearly about hell, and in Luke 16:19–31, He told the story of a rich man who ended up in torment. From hell, the man begged for someone to warn his family so they wouldn’t end up there too. The regret was overwhelming—but it was too late.

The Good News: Christ Can Remove the Scales

The gospel is not just about moral improvement—it’s about transformation. Jesus came to “open the eyes of the blind” (Isaiah 42:7, Luke 4:18). He can remove the scales from your heart and mind, just as He did for Paul.

If you feel distant from God, or if spiritual things seem confusing or meaningless to you, perhaps it’s because your spiritual eyes need to be opened. You don’t need to stay in that condition. Repent of your sins, turn to Jesus Christ, and ask Him to open your eyes. When He does, you’ll begin to see the beauty of salvation and the truth of the cross.

John 8:12 (NIV):
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Conclusion: The Time Is Now

We are living in the last days. Jesus is coming soon. Don’t let Satan keep you blinded until it’s too late. Open your heart to God, turn from sin, and receive the light of Christ. He is ready to remove the spiritual scales and lead you into eternal life.

May the Lord bless you.