Paul's persecution of the early church - JSS3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Past Questions and Answers - page 1

1. False Accusations: Stephen was falsely accused of blasphemy and brought before the Sanhedrin.
2. Powerful Defense: He gave a bold speech about Israel’s history and accused the leaders of resisting God and betraying Jesus.
3. Vision of Jesus: He saw a vision of Jesus in heaven, which enraged the council.
4. Martyrdom: He was stoned to death for his testimony, praying for his attackers as he died.
5. Saul’s Presence: Saul, later known as Paul, witnessed and approved of Stephen’s execution.

1. Witness and Approval: Saul witnessed the stoning and approved of it, indicating his agreement with the punishment imposed on Stephen.
2. Guarding Clothes: He guarded the coats of those who were stoning Stephen, symbolizing his participation and support.

Paul operated and behaved like a heartless Jewish youth who had unexplainable fury against the church. There can be no better way to describe Saul’s character than that of one who regarded christians as religiously, politically and perhaps socio-culturally dangerous. He was fierce and merciless in his persecution of the church. 

Paul persecuted the early church because he was a zealous Pharisee who believed that the teachings of Jesus were against Jewish laws and traditions. He saw Christians as blasphemers and a threat to Judaism. With the support and authority of the Jewish religious leaders, he actively sought to arrest and punish Christians. This changed dramatically after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion and becoming a key figure in spreading Christianity.

Before his conversion, Saul's belief about the Messiah was shaped by traditional Jewish expectations. He expected a powerful political and military leader and could not accept Jesus as the Messiah because of Jesus' crucifixion. This belief led Saul to zealously defend the Jewish faith and persecute Christians, whom he saw as spreading false teachings. His understanding changed dramatically after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading him to become a follower of Jesus and a key figure in spreading Christianity.