Christ is our example in many things, of course, but he cannot be in some essential matters an example for us. He cannot show us how to repent of sin, he cannot show us how a person is converted to God or what such a conversion means. And, fact is, though Paul was an exceptional convert, in most important respects, his conversion is entirely regular in its character and effects. It is not, of course, in certain ways. The supernatural element is visible here and invisible in other conversions.
Every conversion differs according to time, place, circumstances, violence, etc.
But in its character and substance Paul's conversion is set forth in the NT as a pattern. Let me set out that pattern in three general respects. I. First, there was preparation for the change. His rebellion against God had, in fact, increased to a white-hot intensity. At least, so it would seem, before the Damascus road.