Paul of Tarsus – a.k.a Saul

Originally was named Saul.  He persecuted the believers until he himself became one.

Saul is first encountered in Acts 7

He is said to be a “young man” and willingly at the martyrdom of Stephen.

Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 8:3-4 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Ironically, Saul even had impact on the dispersion of the Gospel prior to his conversion.  This action (persecution of believers) by Saul (before his conversion) aided in the spreading of the Gospel outside of Judea (verse 4).

A PHARISEE and possible member of the SANHEDRIN

A Pharisee (Acts 26:5)

Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Acts 22:4-5 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Acts 26:10-12 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

An interesting note is that Saul had a “voice” in the judgment of the Believers. Merrill Tenney in his book “New Testament Survey” (Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1985, p.249) makes this “suggestion” that if we were to take this phrase literally, Saul would have to be more than 30 years old (age of maturity) to be eligible for membership in Sanhedrin.

Birth and Education

Born a Roman citizen in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia. Speaking Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew. Education in Jerusalem under the teaching of Gamaliel.

Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Romans 11:1 - Paul states that he was an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin.

Paul was a Scholar.  Always referencing and quoting Old Testament within his writing. References to David, Isaiah and Abraham.  These statements being attributed to the legends of Jewish history cannot be argued with.

Acts 18:3 Had skills and training to hold an occupation of a tentmaker, which would later help support his ministry.

Becomes a Believer

Conversion is recounted three times in the Book of Acts. Luke tells the story in Acts 9, Paul tells it in Acts Chapter 22 and 26

It can be said that his conversion experience on the road to Damascus changed his name. In a few moments the single largest threat to the Gospel was removed and the single largest spark for the Gospel was ignited!

It was not without it’s hardships. Paul’s humility made it difficult for him to share what hardships he had suffered when he wrote his letter to the Corinthians. The questions they asked, forced Paul to need to validate his ministry. 2 Corinthians 11:22-33

He would then go on in 2 Corinthians 12:7 to discuss the spiritual agent responsible for maintaining Paul’s humility in ministry.

Paul’s Ministry

Paul would account for fourteen of the Bible books being one of the most prolific writers to address the believers.

Refers to himself as Apostle/Minister of the Gentiles – Romans 11:13; 15:16

His Missionary Journeys opened the road for spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. He would follow those trips with his writings.  In his letters Paul establishes the principles and beliefs that believers were to govern their lives with.