After the death of Stephen, Saul was elected a member of the Sanhedrin council in consideration of the part he had acted on that occasion. For a time he was a mighty instrument in the hands of Satan to carry out his rebellion against the Son of God. But soon this relentless persecutor was to be employed in building up the church that he was now tearing down. A Mightier than Satan had chosen Saul to take the place of the martyred Stephen, to preach and suffer for His name, and to spread far and wide the tidings of salvation through His blood.

Efter Stefanus død blev Saulus valgt til at være medlem af det jødiske råd som en erkendtlighed for den rolle, han ved denne lejlighed havde spillet. En tid var han et mægtigt redskab i Satans hænder til at fremme hans oprørskhed mod Guds Søn. Men snart skulle denne ubarmhjertige forfølger være i gang med at opbygge den menighed, han nu ville nedbryde. En, som var mægtigere end Satan, havde udvalgt Saulus til at indtage den plads, martyren Stefanus havde haft, til at prædike og lide for sit navn og vidt og bredt udbrede budskabet om frelse ved hans blod.