This is a hyperbole for many or most of the believers living in Jerusalem fled the persecution. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
## except the apostles. ##
It is implied that the apostles remained in Jerusalem and they did not experience this great persecution. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
## devout men ##
"God-fearing men" or "men who feared God"
## made great lamentation ##
"mourned greatly…over him" (UDB)
## he went into every house ##
This is a hyperbole for Saul entering into many houses. He did not have authority to enter every house in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
## dragged out men and women ##
Saul forcefully took Jewish believers out of their home and put them into prison.