But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? (Acts 9:21)
Rather, “had come hither,” implying that Saul’s purpose in coming to Damascus had been abandoned.
Amazed.
See on ch. 2:7. This amazement is understandable in the light of Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians. The synagogue authorities may have been instructed to give Saul their cooperation in the work he was to do. It is clear from what follows that his fame was well known to the Jews of Damascus.
Destroyed them.
Or, “made havoc of them.” Paul makes use of the same verb to describe his own conduct (Gal. 1:13, 23). From the strong expression used here it is evident that the slaughter of Christians in Jerusalem was not limited to the stoning of Stephen.