Saul's mission was to arrest Jewish followers of Jesus in Damascus and bring them bound to Jerusalem for trial and persecution.
According to Les Feldick, Saul, a religious zealot, obtained letters from the high priest to the synagogues in Damascus, targeting Jews who believed Jesus was the Messiah. His goal was to extradite them to Jerusalem, whether men or women, to face punishment, imprisonment, or even death, as part of his campaign to stamp out the followers of 'the way.'
Acts 9:1-2 — This passage directly describes Saul's request for letters to Damascus and his intent to bring believers bound to Jerusalem.
In Acts 9:1-2, the Bible records that Saul, "yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." This shows Saul's official mission was to arrest followers of Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem for judgment. The Bible also notes in Acts 22:5 that this was with the authority of the high priest and elders, indicating a formal commission. The narrative continues with Saul's dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road, which interrupts his mission and leads to his conversion (Acts 9:3-6).
Les Feldick emphasizes that Saul's mission was driven by religious zeal and a desire to stamp out what he considered the heresy that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. Saul sought letters from the high priest to the synagogues in Damascus, specifically targeting Jewish believers, not Gentiles. Les points out that Saul was vicious, having no mercy, and intended to bring them bound to Jerusalem for trial and punishment. This mission was interrupted by Saul's confrontation with the glorified Lord on the road, which led to his salvation and commissioning.
Saul targeted Jews who had embraced faith in Jesus as the Messiah, as Les Feldick explains. He was not concerned with the Syrian population or Gentiles; his focus was on Jewish believers within the synagogues. These were the ones he sought to arrest and bring back to Jerusalem.
Les describes Saul as a religious zealot who had absolute hatred for anything contrary to Judaism. He was 'breathing out threatenings and slaughter' and desired to stamp out the movement at any cost. Saul was merciless, not caring about age or gender, and was willing to use persecution, imprisonment, and even death to achieve his goal.
Saul's mission was directly interrupted by a supernatural encounter with the ascended, glorified Lord of glory. As he neared Damascus, a light from heaven shone around him, and he heard the voice of Jesus asking, 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' This encounter led to Saul's conversion and his subsequent instruction to enter the city, where he was met by Ananias.
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Targeting Jewish Believers
Saul wanted letters to the synagogues in Damascus to find Jews following 'this way' (Jesus as Messiah) and bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Vicious Persecution
Saul was vicious and merciless, intending to arrest both men and women believers and bring them to Jerusalem.
Mission Interrupted
Saul's mission to Damascus was interrupted by a heavenly light and the voice of Jesus, leading to his conversion.
Religious Zeal
Saul's mission was fueled by religious zeal to stamp out the followers of Jesus, whom he considered a blasphemer.
Hatred and Grace
On the road, Saul had 'absolute hatred' for anything contrary to Judaism, but the Lord called him by grace despite his unworthiness.
Extending Persecution
Saul sought letters to Damascus to extend his persecution beyond Israel, targeting believing Jews in the synagogues.
God's Sovereign Stop
God stopped Saul in his tracks, and while in Damascus, Saul was prepared for a special purpose, as seen in the vision to Ananias.
Acts 9:1-2: And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
This directly describes Saul's mission to arrest believers in Damascus and bring them to Jerusalem.
Acts 9:3: And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
This marks the interruption of Saul's mission by the risen Christ.
Acts 9:4: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Jesus directly confronts Saul about his persecution of the church.
Acts 22:5: As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
Saul's own testimony confirms the purpose of his mission to Damascus.
Saul went to Damascus to arrest Jewish followers of Jesus and bring them bound to Jerusalem for trial and persecution. He had letters from the high priest authorizing this mission.
Saul targeted Jewish believers who had embraced faith in Jesus as the Messiah. He was not interested in Gentiles, only in Jews who followed 'the way.'
Saul was confronted by a light from heaven and heard the voice of Jesus asking why he persecuted Him. This encounter led to his conversion and a change in his mission.
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