religion—that is, I have lived as a Parush. (Acts 26:4–5, CJB, with one change by the author) This verse highlights the point that an influential number of contemporary religious leaders knew Shaul personally, or at least had become familiar with his reputation. Presumably, the term “religious leaders” refers to the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees and the High Priest’s family. Josephus informs us that there were 6,000 Pharisee party members in the late 2nd Temple period. If that was an accurate figure,