Les Feldick Bible Study

What did Paul think he ought to do contrary to Jesus of Nazareth?

Paul verily thought with himself that he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He acted on that conviction by persecuting Jewish believers, shutting many saints in prison, receiving authority from the chief priests, and putting them to death.

Les explains that Jesus of Nazareth was making inroads into Judaism, and to a religious fanatic that meant He had to be stamped out, because He was ruining their culture and religion. Saul of Tarsus took the lead persecuting Jewish believers who had recognized Christ as their Messiah, doing all he could to stamp them out. Paul later writes in Acts 26:9 that he verily thought he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth during His earthly ministry, and he did so in Jerusalem, shutting many saints in prison. He received authority from the chief priests, and when those believers were put to death, he was at the head of it. Les also notes that the Jews had authority under Rome to put their own people to death within their religion, and they must have put a number of them out of the way.

Acts 26:9

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

More Questions

When did Paul persecute believers and act contrary to the name of Jesus?

Paul's persecution of believers at Jerusalem and his opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth happened before his salvation.