Why should he?
They were few and insignificant, no single man of rank or wealth was to be found among them.

To persecute them was easy, and--it pleased the Jews.

Therefore he persecuted them.

One James, a disciple of the crucified man called Christ, who had wandered about the country with him, he seized and beheaded at Jerusalem.

Another, called Peter, a powerful preacher, he threw into prison, and of their followers he slew many.