Were the saints Paul persecuted in Jerusalem Jewish believers?
According to Acts 26:10, Paul acknowledges he persecuted many of the saints in Jerusalem. The context identifies these saints as Jewish believers. Paul, formerly Saul, actively pursued them with authority from Judaism before his conversion, confirming they were Jewish followers of Jesus.
Les explains that in Acts 26:9-10, Paul rehearses how he formerly thought he should oppose Jesus of Nazareth. Paul confesses, 'Which thing I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints, these Jewish believers, many of the saints did I.' Les points out that Ananias was one of these believers, and Saul was coming after him and others like him. Paul's ability to persecute them showed he was a big figure in Judaism with authority. This was part of what he had to recognize before God could use him.
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
What did Saul do to believers in Jerusalem and under whose authority did he do it?
Saul imprisoned many believing Jews in Jerusalem and had them put to death for believing Jesus was the Christ. He acted under authority received from the chief priests. He viewed Jesus as an imposter and sought to stamp out all reference to Him.
What does Acts 26 say Paul did to Jewish believers who were brought before the religious councils?
Acts 26 says that Paul persecuted Jewish believers, and when they were brought before the religious councils, he joined others in voting to have them put to death or thrown in prison. This was part of his past life in the Jews’ religion.
More Questions
What did Paul do to believers in Jerusalem before his conversion?
Before his conversion, Paul persecuted the believers in Jerusalem by shutting them up in prison with authority from the chief priests.
When did Paul persecute believers and shut the saints up in prison?
Paul's persecution of believers at Jerusalem, including shutting many of the saints up in prison, happened back in his pre-salvation experience when he thought he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Was Paul's persecution of the early Christians just a mild or nominal opposition?
Paul's persecution of the believers was not merely nominal — he persecuted them to the death, showing no mercy and acting cruelly.
Who were the saints that Paul shut up in prison?
The 'saints' Paul shut up in prison were Jewish believers who had followed Christ during His earthly ministry.