who first despised the christian movement, but then later traveled to preach jesus’ message?

The person who first despised the Christian movement but later traveled to preach Jesus' message was Saul of Tarsus, also known as Paul the Apostle. Initially, Paul was a fierce persecutor of early Christians, actively opposing and even approving the killing of believers. However, on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, he had a transformative encounter with Jesus, which led to his conversion. After this event, Paul became a devoted preacher of Jesus' message and made several missionary journeys spreading Christianity, establishing churches across various regions. He is one of the most significant figures in the early Christian movement due to his extensive travels and theological contributions to the New Testament.