4. And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.
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.
6. “As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me.
7. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’