Saul Why Do You Persecute Me? Educated at the feet of Gamaliel!

If you were the writer of the book of Acts, I would say this,  Gamaliel said what he did to the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem about the early Christians: Where was Saul at that moment? Acts 5:33 CSB When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.i Acts 5:34 CSB But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the menC to be taken outside for a little while.j Acts 5:35 CSB He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men. Acts 5:36 CSB Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing.k Acts 5:37 CSB After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. He also perished, and all his followers were scattered. Acts 5:38 CSB. So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail;l Acts 5:39 CSB but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.m Acts 5:40 CSB After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.n Acts 5:41 CSB Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.D,o Acts 5:42 CSB Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. CSB

 When Paul who was formerly named Saul came to town, he probably had no idea what Gamaliel had said in the above verses because he was persecuting all the early Christians and was heading out of town to persecute the church in Damascus. Acts 9:1, 2 And Saul, still breathing in a personally produced atmosphere of threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, having gone to the chief priest, asked from him as a personal favor letters to Damascus, to the synagogues, in order that if he found certain ones who belonged to the Way [that characteristic course of conduct exemplified by believers in the Christ of Christianity], both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Acts 9:3–9 And as he was proceeding on his journey he was drawing near to Damascus. And suddenly there flashed around him a light out of heaven. And having fallen upon the ground he heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you, Sir? And as for myself, I am Jehoshua, whom, as for yourself, you are persecuting. But arise at once and go into the city and it shall be told you that which is a necessity in the nature of the case for you to be doing. And the men who were journeying with him stood speechless, hearing indeed the voice as a sound only and not understanding the words, moreover not seeing anyone. And Saul arose from the ground, but having opened his eyes he was seeing nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight. And he did not eat nor did he drink. Acts 9:10–14 And there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said to him, Having arisen, proceed to the street called the Straight Street, and inquire in the home of Judas for one whose name is Saul, a citizen of Tarsus; for behold, he is praying, and he saw a man whose name is Ananias who came and laid his hands upon him in order that he may recover his sight. And Ananias answered, Lord, I heard from many concerning this man, how many evil things he did to your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has delegated authority from the chief priests to bind all those who are calling on your Name. Acts 9:15–19 But the Lord said to him, Be going on your way, because this man is a selected-out instrument of mine for the purpose of bearing my Name both before Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel, for, as for myself, I will show him how many things it is necessary in the nature of the case for him to suffer on behalf of my Name. Then Ananias went off and entered the city. And having placed his hands upon him he said, Saul, brother, the Lord has sent me on a mission, Jehoshua, He who appeared to you on the road as you were coming, in order that you may recover your sight and be controlled by the Holy Spirit. And immediately there fell off from his eyes something having the appearance of incrustations. He recovered his sight, and having arisen, he was baptized, and having taken nourishment, he was strengthened.-Wuest New Testament

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