Saul’s father was both Jewish and a Roman citizen, and young Saul chose his Jewish heritage over his Roman. A student of the more moderate Rabbi Gamaliel, Saul became a radical Pharisee, whose active campaign against Christians and role in the execution of Stephen, the first martyr, won him a commission from the High Priest to arrest Christians in Damascus.

As Saul neared Damascus, he was knocked to the ground by an intense light, and a voice reproved him for his persecution. Blinded, he continued into the city, where his sight was restored and he was baptised. His defection made him a wanted man, but he escaped and began preaching Christianity as eagerly as he had tried to suppress it.

120 words