Paul – Saul from Tarsus

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Saul decided to build his reputation as a zealous Pharisee by publicly opposing the new and fast-growing group of Jews (centered in Jerusalem and led by Peter, James and John) who preached that Jesus of Nazareth was the long-awaited Messiah (Acts 3:26; cf. Acts 2:14–36; 3:11–26). Saul gave full ascent to the stoning of Stephen, a leader of the Jesus movement, then imprisoned Stephen’s colleagues (Acts 8:3).

INTERNATIONAL GATEWAYS OF THE NORTHEASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
Image source: © Carta, Jerusalem

The community scattered; Saul followed in quick pursuit. Armed with letters of extradition signed by the high priest against any believers in Jesus whom he might find in Damascus, Saul journeyed north (Acts 9:1–2). His route necessarily passed through Jesus-territory (eastern Galilee). Then, as he was approaching Damascus, Saul met the resurrected Jesus as a bright light and a voice of clear command (Acts 9:3–6). On the road to oppose “the Way” (Acts 9:2), Saul fell in stride behind his new Rabbi.

The transformation was instant and wholly unexplainable in normal human terms. Saul immediately recognized Jesus as the Son of God, was baptized and began to declare such in the synagogues of the city (Acts 9:7–22; cf. 22:16). His Damascus-road experience was so powerful that Saul repeated it at least twice in his own defense later in life (Acts 22:1–16; 26:9–20).