Saul takes the initiative in expanding persecution beyond Jerusalem to Damascus. According to the Jewish historian, Josephus, Damascus had a large Jewish population.1 It is possible that some believers had fled here. The letters which Saul requested from the high priest Caiaphas would be given to synagogue leaders or to magistrates in the city of Damascus.2 Synagogue leaders would have respected the office of the high priest and would have been happy to help Saul on his mission by pointing out those who had gone to join the Way.3
1 Cependant Saul, respirant encore la menace et le meurtre contre les disciples du Seigneur, se rendit chez le souverain sacrificateur,