For you have heard about the way I lived in the past, when I was in the Jewish religion, [that is], how I mercilessly persecuted the church of God, making havoc of it.
And Saul was in full agreement with Stephen being put to death. And a great persecution broke out against the Jerusalem church, and all the disciples, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the districts of Judea and Samaria.
And everyone who heard him was amazed and exclaimed, “Is this not the man who tried to destroy all the people who called on [Jesus’] name in Jerusalem and has now come here [to Damascus] for the purpose of arresting them and bringing them before the leading priests?”
And when he came [back] to Jerusalem, Saul attempted to associate himself with the disciples but they were afraid of him [because of his past], and could not believe that he was a [true] disciple.
As far as enthusiasm is concerned, I persecuted the church; as far as being righteous according to the Law of Moses is concerned, I was without just blame.
[even] though I had previously spoken against Christ, and persecuted [Christians] and acted outrageously. However, I obtained mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not believing [in Christ].
[But] the unearned favor of our Lord was given to me in great abundance, producing faith and love which are [found] in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus.