Gide. I'm Gary Stevens. And welcome to the second series of the History in the Bible podcast. More of the history in more of the books in all the Bibles.

Episode 2.53

Paul's Lost and First Missions

In episode 2.50, the first Jesus Club Tribulations,

I recounted the martyrdoms of James, son of Zebedee, and Stephen the deacon.

I also followed the adventures of Peter until he's mysterious departure.

Immediately after the death of Stephen enters Saul, later to be known as Paul.

Quote, Acts 8.1A. And Saul approved of their killing, Stephen. That day,

severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles

were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. But Saul was ravaging the church

by entering house after house. Dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.

Still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, Saul went to the high priest and asked him

for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the way,

he might bring them bound to Jerusalem."

Acts implies that Saul's persecutions are in Judea.

That can't be right.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul tells us that he was unknown in Judea until years

after his call.

He's actually been hounding the Jesus followers in the diaspora,

not in Judea.

This is our first indication that Jesus clubs are springing up in areas

outside the Jewish homeland.

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