Saul, you must obey the Jewish Lord and study the Torah
Saul grew up in a wealthy family in Tarsus. He was Jewish, Greek and a citizen of Rome. He was taught to read the Torah and obey the the rituals of the temple. He grew up with a hatred for Christians.
Saul was a strict Jew and was determined to silence Christians. He wanted to wipe the name of Christ. He persecuted followers.
"Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, for they know not what they do"
Stephen, a disciple of Jesus began to preach about the lord. He defied the laws of the temple. The council became worried about how Stephen was starting to turn people against them and that he was speaking the truth.
Stephen was charged for blasphemy and dragged from the temple. The witnesses laid their clothes on Saul's feet. Saul gave the word to begin stoning Stephen to the death.
Stephen begged for forgiveness for saul as he was dying. After Stephen's death many Christians fled as they feared they were next.
Saul seeked authority from the temple elders to pursue christians to demascus to persecute them. He set off on a long journey by himself.