When and as whom is Saul of Tarsus first introduced in the Acts account?
Saul of Tarsus is first introduced in Acts at Stephen's stoning, as the young man named Saul at whose feet they laid their clothes. He was consenting to Stephen's death and, the Greek likely implies, actually promoting it. This is the first Acts figure beyond the twelve and Israel's elders.
Les teaches that this is the first time anyone other than the twelve and the elders of Israel is introduced into the Acts account—Saul of Tarsus. At Stephen's stoning, the Jews laid their clothes at a young man's feet whose name was Saul. In Acts 8:1, Saul of Tarsus was consenting to Stephen's death, and Les suggests the Greek may make it stronger: he was actually promoting it. A great persecution then arose against believing Jews at Jerusalem. Les explains that up to this point God had dealt with His covenant people, almost exclusively Israel, but chapter 9 marks a parting of the ways as God begins to deviate from that Jew-only program and speaks to Saul of Tarsus.
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.