9 In fact, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.h 10 I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I was in agreement against them.i 11 In all the synagogues I often punished them and tried to make them blaspheme.j Since I was terribly enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.

PAUL’S ACCOUNT OF HIS CONVERSION AND COMMISSION

12 “I was traveling to Damascus underk these circumstances with authority and a commission from the chief priests.