2 Cor 2:15-16 explains the effect:
15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?
Very apropos.
Saul of Tarsus, post Divine intervention, turned out to be very wise.