Final answer:
Saul's persecution of the Christian church can be justified by his religious zeal and defense of Judaism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saul justified his persecution of the Christian church as an act of religious zeal and defense of Judaism, viewing the teachings of the early Christians as a threat to the established Jewish faith and traditions.
Saul, later known as the apostle Paul, fervently adhered to Jewish laws and customs. He saw the burgeoning Christian movement as heretical, contradicting the fundamental tenets of Judaism. His persecution stemmed from a deep-rooted belief that these followers of Jesus were deviating from the true path of Judaism, threatening the stability of the faith he cherished. Saul believed that eliminating this perceived threat was crucial to preserving the purity of Judaism.
His zeal for defending the Jewish faith motivated him to pursue and persecute Christians relentlessly. However, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus transformed his perspective, leading to a profound change of heart and becoming one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church.
Correct answer: b) Religious zeal and defense of Judaism