4.15 Accusation: Guilt theory
What if Paul changed his mind out of sympathy? We can imagine a Nazi soldier feeling remorse for the Holocaust victim and perhaps converting to Judaism out of admiration? Just perhaps as Paul might feel remorse for his actions against Stephen.
There are several problems with this theory
1. There’s not a shred of evidence Paul’s actions in the book of Acts suggest he experienced guilt while conducting his persecution.
Even if he did, it would more likely lead to the cessation of persecution towards Christians “I bet they learnt their lesson” rather than becoming one
2. Paul’s own testimony is the very opposite.
He was very content in Judaism and confident in his actions. He was a zealous Jew and teacher of the law.
3 & 4. Even if guilt could account for Jesus’ appearance to Paul, it doesn’t account for his appearance to others like James and the disciples
See evidence articles
5. Guilt does not account for an empty tomb
See evidence articles
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