The Conversion of Saul

9 Now ^[a]Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord [and relentless in his search for believers], went to the ^[b]high priest, ² and he asked for letters [of authority] from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any men or women there belonging to ^[c]the Way [believers, followers of Jesus the Messiah], men and women alike, he could arrest them and bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.

⁹ But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient [to the word of God], discrediting and speaking evil of ^[a]the Way (Jesus, Christianity) before the congregation, Paul left them, taking the disciples with him, and went on holding ^[b]daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus [instead of in the synagogue].

²³ About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way (Jesus, Christianity).

⁴ I persecuted and pursued the followers of this ^[a]Way to the death, binding them with chains and putting [followers of Jesus] both men and women into prisons,

¹⁴ But I confess this to you, that according to ^[a]the Way, which they call a [divisive and heretical] sect, I do worship and serve the God of our fathers, [confidently] believing everything that is in accordance with the Law [of Moses] and that is written in the Prophets;