Saul had taken a prominent part in the trial and conviction of Stephen, and the striking evidences of God's presence with the martyr had led Saul to doubt the righteousness 113 of the cause he had espoused against the followers of Jesus. His mind was deeply stirred. In his perplexity he appealed to those in whose wisdom and judgment he had full confidence. The arguments of the priests and rulers finally convinced him that Stephen was a blasphemer, that the Christ whom the martyred disciple had preached was an impostor, and that those ministering in holy office must be right.

Saulus havde spillet en fremtrædende rolle ved Stefanus forhør og domfældelse, og de slående beviser på Guds nærværelse hos martyren havde fået Saulus til at betvivle retfærdigheden i den sag, han havde sluttet sig til mod Jesu disciple. Han var blevet dybt rystet. I sin tvivlrådighed henvendte han sig til dem, hvis visdom og dom han fuldtud stolede på. Præsternes og rådsherrernes argumenter overbeviste ham til slut om, at Stefanus var en gudsbespotter, at den Kristus, som martyrdisciplen havde prædiket om, var en bedrager, og at de, som beklædte de hellige embeder, måtte have retten på deres side.