As I recall, St. Paul stood by and held the coats of the men who were stoning him {Stephen}. Apparently he wasn't a believer at the time. In fact, I think he was regarded as the most terrible enemy of the Church. And yet he later repented, didn't he? So I suggest you think of me, not as the enemy of God, but as an apostle who has not yet been stopped on the road to Damascus
In "Speaker for the Dead" by Orson Scott Card, a reference is made to St. Paul's past when he held the coats of those stoning Stephen, illustrating his initial opposition to the Church. At that time, he was seen as a fierce enemy of the faith, which underscores the theme of transformation and redemption in the narrative. This connection emphasizes how individuals can change dramatically, regardless of their past actions.
The speaker suggests that, like Paul, he too is not an adversary of God but rather someone who is on a journey, waiting for a pivotal moment that could lead to repentance and acceptance. This idea invites readers to consider the potential for change within themselves and others, highlighting that one does not have to remain defined by earlier beliefs or actions.