Why did Paul persecute the church - JSS3 Christian Religious Studies Paul's persecution of the early church Question

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.