Saul, or Paul, was an ultraconservative Pharisee who
hated the believers in Yeshua – he felt that their beliefs were blasphemous. He
presided over the death of Stephen, the first martyr for Yeshua. Stephen gives
a long recounting of Jewish history, culminating in his proof that Yeshua is
the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. Acts 7:57-8:1 At this they [the Jewish authorities/the Sanhedrin]
covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at
him [Stephen], dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile,
the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold
this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to this death. (NIV) * After Stephen’s death, Paul mercilessly hunted down
believers. Acts 8:3 |
