In past writings here in the Pew we have studied Luke who was the only Gentile to have a book in the Bible…he actually had two. Luke and Acts in which he introduced us to Saul, who would soon become known as Paul. Paul would go on to become known world wide as one of the greatest Christian missionaries. There is much to know about Paul while it was noted in our study of Luke that we didn’t have a whole lot to go on, Paul on the other hand some would say remains one of the most read authors in human history. A large part of his notoriety is his abrupt turn from persecutor of Christians to its greatest proponent who shaped the history of the early Christian Church. So some questions about Paul are in order. Saul of Tarsus, later to become the apostle Paul… Who was he and how did he become the apostle Paul?

Saul was born in Tarsus about AD 5 in what is now known as modern day Turkey. HIs parents were Jewish but held the coveted Roman Citizen that would serve Saul well in the difficult times in his christian ministry. Saul would have been about 20 when they moved to Jerusalem. It was here that Saul began his studies of Jewish Scriptures and Law under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel. While there are some conflicting information it is believed that Saul was present for the trial and execution of Stephen. (Acts 7:54-60) The executioners removing their outer garments prior to the stoning laid them at Saul’s feet and scriptures seems to imply they had Saul’s approval. (Acts 7:58) Paul was given extraordinary privileges to pursue and arrest any of these ring leaders of this Christian movement including the female believers. As it came to pass Paul was on his way to arrest and extradite any of these Christians he found in Damascus when he was confronted by the very one he was persecuting.

Acts 9:1-9

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

It had to be one of the most dramatic moments in Church history…Saul’s conversion from an avid persecutor to an ardent missionary became an overwhelming testimony to an unbelieving world. Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul. 

Paul much latter would write in 2 Corinthians (11:22) and a letter to the Philippians church (Philippians 3:5) describing himself as such.

 2 Corinthians 11:22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I.

Philippians 3:5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 

No one could have been better suited to a calling such as this than than Saul…now the Apostle Paul.

 Most biblical scholars agree that Paul would have traveled over 10,000 miles – BY FOOT! Listed below are the books we know for certain Paul wrote, thirteen! If we were to add one other that scholars still debate over…Hebrews, that would be fourteen.

The Thirteen:

Galatians (AD 47)

1 and 2 Thessalonians (AD 49—51)

1 and 2 Corinthians and Romans (AD 52—56)

Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians, and Philippians (AD 60—62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment)

1 Timothy and Titus (AD 62)

2 Timothy (AD 63—64, during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment)

Oh yes…that question earlier…How did Saul become an apostle?

Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God

Thanks for coming byThe Pew this week.

Life is Good

jk