AUV(i)
9 I truly thought within myself [that it was right] to do many things which were opposed to the name of Jesus from Nazareth.
10 So, I was doing this in Jerusalem, having received [my] authority from the leading priests. I both imprisoned many of the saints [i.e., God's holy people] and [even] voiced my approval when they were put to death [See 8:1].
11 I often persecuted them in the synagogues, [even] trying to get them to blaspheme [i.e., speak against God]. I had extreme anger toward them and [even] traveled to foreign cities [in my effort] to persecute them.
12 "While on a journey to Damascus for this purpose, I was acting under the authority and directive of the leading priests.
13 [Then] along the road, about noon, O King, I saw a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me.
14 When we all fell to the ground I heard a voice speaking in the Hebrew [i.e., Aramaic] language. [It said], 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are only hurting yourself by kicking against the spurs [i.e., opposing the work of God].'
15 I answered, 'Who are you, sir?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting.
16 But, get up onto your feet, for the reason I have appeared to you is to appoint you a minister and witness of both the things you have [already] seen of me and the things I will [reveal when] appearing to you.