What does Paul mean when he says he persecuted the church 'beyond measure'?
Paul means his opposition to the assembly of God was extreme and despicable, not mild. As a high-ranking Pharisee and council member, he actively persecuted Jewish believers, voting to have them put to death or imprisoned. The term "church" there is the Greek ekklesia, an assembly, not always the Body of Christ.
Les explains that "beyond measure" means Paul's former persecution was despicable; he did not merely disagree but brought the assembly of God under pressure. Paul had been a Pharisee of the Pharisees and was convinced he was a member of the Sanhedrin, placing him high in Judaism at the time of Christ and the temple worship. In Acts 26, when Jewish believers were brought before religious councils, he voted with others to have them put to death or thrown into prison. Les also makes the point that the word translated "church" is the Greek ekklesia, meaning assembly, so it must not always be equated with the Body of Christ.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
More Questions
What did Paul say about his persecution of the church in Galatians 1:13?
In Galatians 1:13 Paul said his past lifestyle in the Jews' religion included persecuting the church of God beyond measure and wasting it.
What does 'beyond measure' mean in Galatians 1:13?
The phrase 'beyond measure' in Galatians 1:13 means that Paul's persecution was despicable.