What is the meaning of Acts 9:2?

* The two F.O.G. Bibles & Commentary below are currently a work in progress.

and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

World English Bible (WEB)

And desired{G154}{(G5668)} of{G3844} him{G846} letters{G1992} to{G1519} Damascus{G1154} to{G4314} the synagogues{G4864}, that{G3704} if{G1437} he found{G2147}{(G5632)} any{G5100} of this way{G3598}, whether{G5037} they were{G5607}{(G5752)} men{G435} or{G2532} women{G1135}, he might bring them{G71}{(G5632)} bound{G1210}{(G5772)} unto{G1519} Jerusalem{G2419}.

Strong's King James

(2) He asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Dammesek (Moist with Blood), so that if finding any belonging to The Way, both men and women, he might bring them chained to Yerushalayim (Foundation of Peace).

The F.O.G*

[2] He demanded official letters of authorization to the synagogues in Damascus, seeking permission to arrest anyone—man or woman—who followed the Way of the Messiah. His plan was to drag them back to Jerusalem in chains, where they would face harsh judgment.

The F.O.G Paraphrase

did ask from him letters to Damascus, unto the synagogues, that if he may find any being of the way, both men and women, he may bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation