Why did the Jews have clout with the Roman authorities?
The Jews had clout with Rome because Judaism was considered one of the ancient religions, earning Roman respect. Rome also recognized and protected the vast sums of money Jews throughout the empire sent to the Temple, never allowing a loss. This relationship enabled them to demand extradition of Jews back to Jerusalem.
Les explains that the Judaistic religious people had clout with Rome. Rome respected Judaism because it was considered one of the ancient religions, unlike the Christian faith, which was new and treated as a sect. Additionally, Jews across the Roman Empire sent vast amounts of money to the Temple as offerings, and Rome recognized and protected these funds, never losing an ounce. This clout allowed them to demand extradition of Jews they wanted to deal with in their own religion, bringing them back to Jerusalem. That is why Saul had authority to go to Damascus, outside Israel, arrest Jews, and drag them back to Jerusalem.