⁵ The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the followers of the Way from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.

Saul’s Conversion

9 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.^[a] So he went to the high priest. ² He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

Jesus before the Council

⁶⁶ At daybreak all the elders of the people assembled, including the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. Jesus was led before this high council,^[a]

²¹ So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.

When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council^[a]—the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial.

¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

³ for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters.^[a] I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. ⁴ They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children.^[b] God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises.

²¹ They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here.

¹² “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests.

¹⁰ Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers^[a] there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death.

22 “Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.”