According to the New Testament book Acts of the Apostles, Paul was a Pharisee. He participated in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, possibly Hellenised diaspora Jews who converted to Christianity in the area of Jerusalem before his conversion. Sometimes, after having approved the execution of Stephen, Paul traveled on the road to Damascus to find any Christians there and bring them “bound to Jerusalem” (ESV). At midday, a light brighter than the sun shone around both him and those with him, causing all to fall to the ground, with the risen Christ verbally addressing Paul regarding his persecution.
Having been made blind and commanded to enter the city, Ananias of Damascus restored his sight three days later. After these events, Paul was baptized, immediately proclaiming that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish Messiah and the Son of God. Approximately half of the content in the Book of Acts details the life and works of Paul.