But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
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John Chrysostom
AD 407
And straightway in the synagogues he preached Jesus— for he was accurate in the faith— that this is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, etc., for indeed it was incredible. But Saul increased, etc. Therefore after many days this happens: viz. the Jews took counsel to kill him. And their laying await was known of Saul
They were reduced to utter incredulity. And yet they ought not to have wondered only, but to worship and reverence. Is not this he, etc. He had not merely been a persecutor, but destroyed them which called on this Name— they did not say, on Jesus; for hatred, they could not bear even to hear His name— and what is more marvellous still, and came hither for this purpose, etc. We cannot say, that he associated with the Apostles before. See by how many (witnesses) he is confessed to have been of the number of the enemies! But Paul not only was not confounded by these things, nor hid his face for shame, but increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews
