"Saul was a Roman citizen, and there is evidence that he had connections both with the Herods and within the imperial household in Rome. He wasn't "defending Judaism"; he was collaborating with the Romans and the puppet government and high priesthood in Jerusalem to root out subversives."
Paul , formally Saul, describes himself:
Acts 26:4
"The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.
And again:
Philippians 3:4
though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
Certainly you can agree with this?
So the tribune came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" And he said, "Yes." (Acts 22:27)
and there is evidence that he had connections both with the Herods
Greet my kinsman Herodion. (Romans 16:11)
and within the imperial household in Rome.
I have received full payment, and more; I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent ... All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. (Philippians 4:18,22)
Epaphroditus was secretary to Nero and Domitian, and the sponsor of Josephus.
He wasn't "defending Judaism"; he was collaborating with the Romans and the puppet government and high priesthood in Jerusalem to root out subversives."
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
Paul was acting on behalf of the high priest, a Sadducee and Roman appointee, not on behalf of the Pharisees, who (according to Acts) had a benign view of the Nazarene movement.