Now, having received the Holy Spirit, the disciples (still called apostles) began boldly preaching the Good News. The Holy Spirit helped them persuade people, heal the sick and work miracles for Jesus Christ. Therefore, many believed in Jesus when they heard their sermons.
The Pharisees, the teachers of the Law, and the Jewish priests, upon hearing this, were frightened and angry: for they thought that they had once and for all delivered Jesus and His teachings! Therefore, they began to persecute the apostles and their disciples, throwing them in prisons and even killing. But they did not refuse Jesus Christ under the fear of death. The glad tidings continued to live.
One of those who hated the teaching of Jesus was a young man named Saul, a disciple of the Pharisees. He caused much evil to the first Christians because he thought they were opponents of God. Once he went to the city of Damascus to track down and arrest all Christians there. But suddenly a bright light blinded him, and he heard a voice:
"Saul!" Why are you persecuting Me?
"Who are You, Lord?" - asked the frightened Saul, falling to the ground-
"I'm Jesus, whom you are following!" It's hard for you, probably, to fight the truth?
Saul trembled with horror and asked:
- Lord! What would You order me to do?
"Go to Damascus, there you will find out everything."
When Saul rose, it turned out that he did not see anything. The companions took his hands and led him to Damascus. On the third day, at the command of the Lord, a Christian named Ananias came to Saul to help him, Saul received his sight and was immediately baptized, and then went to preach that Jesus is the Son of God.