Acts 8:2

Saul Attempts To Destroy The Church

¹ And Saul was in full agreement with Stephen being put to death. And a great persecution broke out against the Jerusalem church, and all the disciples, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the districts of Judea and Samaria. ² The godly men who buried Stephen's body mourned over his loss very deeply. ³ But Saul brought devastation to the church by entering everyone's house and dragging men and women off to jail.

Stephen

Luke 2:25

Now there was a righteous and devoted man named Simeon at Jerusalem, who was expecting the consolation of the Israelites [i.e., the coming of the Messiah to save them], and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

John 11:31-35

When Martha's Jewish friends, who had been comforting her at her house, saw Mary getting up quickly and leaving, they followed her, thinking she was going to the grave site to mourn.

Acts 2:5

Now some devoted Jews from every nation of the world were visiting Jerusalem [for the Pentecost festival].

Acts 10:2

He was very devoted [to his religious principles] and had great respect for God, along with the members of his household. He gave [money] liberally to poor people and prayed to God regularly.