City · Syria

Damascus

Identification status

Location widely established

Place profile

Damascus appears in accounts involving Israel and Aram and becomes especially prominent in the story of Paul. Saul travels toward the city to arrest believers but enters it transformed after encountering Jesus.

Biblical setting

Syria

Present-day setting

Damascus, Syria

Connected people

Paul

Encounters Jesus on the road and begins preaching in the city

Basis: Acts 9

Open person

Ananias

Disciple in Damascus who receives Saul

Basis: Acts 9:10–19

Elisha

Prophet involved in narratives concerning Damascus and Aram

Basis: 2 Kings 5; 2 Kings 8

Major events

Naaman seeks healing

The Aramean commander travels from the sphere of Damascus to Elisha.

2 Kings 5

Saul encounters Jesus

A light from heaven stops Saul as he approaches Damascus.

Acts 9:1–19

Saul escapes

Saul is lowered through an opening in the city wall.

Acts 9:20–25