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Even those in the courtroom who are not Christians should be able to believe that God could
raise someone from the dead.

PAUL’S PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH

Act 26:9 "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of
Nazareth.

I verily thought (assumed) with myself, that I ought to do (prasso: policy, practice) many things
contrary (in opposition) to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Paul explains he was also like the Jews who persecute him because he himself persecuted the
Lord. He was a zealous religious man coming against the church.

The name of Jesus holds the power (Mark 16:17-18) and causes opposition to come. It was the
supernatural that Paul (before conversion) had a difficult time with, as do all other religious
people.

Act 26:10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having
received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote
against them.

Which thing I also did (poieo: carried out the policies) in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I
shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to
death, I gave my voice against them.

Not only was Paul told to throw Christians in prison and kill them, he also was in favor of and
consented with the decision of those in authority over him in regard to Christians.

Act 26:11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme;
and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being
exceedingly mad (emmainomai: maniac, rage at) against them, I persecuted them even unto
strange (foreign) cities.

Paul traveled outside Jerusalem on special trips to persecute and jail believers. If they would
renounce Jesus, they would be allowed to live. Paul became as an insane man in his zeal
against the Lord. He was driven by demonic madness to many cities outside of Israel to
persecute the church of Jesus.
PAUL’S CONVERSION RECOUNTED (12-18)

Paul now begins recounting his experience on the road to Damascus. He testifies about hearing
a voice from heaven and explains being called to be a minister, especially to the heathen.