From these various traditions came all the controversial aspects of the present Christian tradition. Saul's goal, it has been said was to so discredit the nascent Jesus movement so that Rome would have nothing to fear.
According to the same folks, Saul was given a Roman villa overlooking the Dead Sea as a reward by Rome.
I only repeat this information; I do not know the truth of it. However, relgion in the region was every bit as complex then as it is today. So it might be true.
That was interesting about Paul and the Pharisees. I did not know that. I’m going to bookmark your blog, thank you for posting.