he young Saul was educated in Jerusalem, the holiest city for Jews worldwide. In his later letters, he recalls a youth spent as a devout and accomplished Pharisee. The Pharisees were a party or school within Judaism composed of both priests and laity. They were known for rigorous study and interpretation of the law. They believed in resurrection of the dead. In his later letters, Saul recalls how his zeal for the law led him to participate in the suppression of a new and growing Jewish movement -- the followers of a crucified Jewish man named Jesus. Sometimes called "The Way," many had left Jerusalem in the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion. They soon returned to the city and began attracting new members. Jerusalem was a hub from which to spread their message, as well as the site of Jesus' anticipated return: for if God's kingdom was coming to Earth, it would come first to Jerusalem. But the Jesus movement was not allowed to remain peacefully, and violence erupted.

The Book of Acts places Saul at the stoning of Stephen, a member of the Jesus movement accused of blasphemy against Moses and God. After leading purges to drive the new sect out of Jerusalem, Saul soon decided that to prevent "the Way" from taking hold in other cities. He would extend his persecutions. First on his list was the city of Damascus.