There is much we can learn from the life of the Apostle Paul. Far from ordinary, Paul was given the opportunity to do extraordinary things for the kingdom of God. The story of Paul is a story of redemption in Jesus Christ and a testimony that no one is beyond the saving grace of the Lord. However, to gain the full measure of the man, we must examine his dark side and what he symbolized before becoming “the Apostle of Grace.” Paul’s early life was marked by religious zeal, brutal violence, and the relentless persecution of the early church. Fortunately, the later years of Paul’s life show a marked difference as he lived his life for Christ and the advancement of His kingdom.
Paul was actually born as Saul. He was born in Tarsus in Cilicia around A.D. 1–5 in a province in the southeastern corner of modern day Tersous, Turkey. He was of Benjamite lineage and Hebrew ancestry. His parents were Pharisees—fervent Jewish nationalists who adhered strictly to the Law of Moses—who sought to protect their children from “contamination” from the Gentiles. Anything Greek was despised in Saul’s household, yet he could speak Greek and passable Latin. His household spoke Aramaic, a derivative of Hebrew, which was the official language of Judea. Saul’s family were Roman citizens but viewed Jerusalem as a truly sacred and holy city.
At age thirteen Saul was sent to Palestine to learn from a rabbi named Gamaliel, under whom Saul mastered Jewish history, the Psalms and the works of the prophets. His education would continue for five or six years as Saul learned such things as dissecting Scripture. It was during this time that he developed a question-and-answer style known in ancient times as “diatribe.” This method of articulation helped rabbis debate the finer points of Jewish law to either defend or prosecute those who broke the law. Saul went on to become a lawyer, and all signs pointed to his becoming a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. Saul was zealous for his faith, and this faith did not allow for compromise. It is this zeal that led Saul down the path of religious extremism.
Because of his extremism Saul might have been present at the trial of Stephen. He was present for his stoning and death and he held the garments of those who did the stoning (Acts 7:58). In Acts 5:27-42, Peter delivered his defense of the gospel and of Jesus in front of the Sanhedrin, which Saul heard. Gamaliel was also present and delivered a message to calm the council and prevent them from stoning Peter. From that moment on, Saul became even more determined to eradicate Christians as he watched the Sanhedrin flog Peter and the others. Saul became more ruthless in his pursuit of Christians as he believed he was doing it in the name of God. Arguably, there is no one more frightening or more vicious than a religious terrorist, especially when he believes that he is doing the will of the Lord by killing innocent people. This is exactly what Saul of Tarsus was: a religious terrorist. Acts 8:3 states, “He began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.”
The pivotal passage in Paul’s story is Acts 9:1-22, which recounts Paul’s meeting with Jesus Christ on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, a journey of about 150 miles. Saul was angered by what he had seen and filled with murderous rage against the Christians. Before departing on his journey, he had asked the high priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for permission to bring any Christians (followers of “the Way,” as they were known) back to Jerusalem to imprison them. On the road Saul was caught up in a bright light from heaven which caused him to fall face down on the ground. He hears the words, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He says, “Who are you Lord?” Jesus answers directly and clearly, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (vv. 4-5). As an aside, this might not have been Saul’s first encounter with Jesus, as some scholars suggest that young Saul might have known of Jesus and that he might have actually witnessed His death.
From this moment on, Saul’s life was turned upside down. The light of the Lord blinded him, and as he traveled on he had to rely on his companions. As instructed by Jesus, Saul continued to Damascus to make contact with a man named Ananias who was hesitant at first to meet Saul because he knew Saul’s reputation as an evil man. But the Lord told Ananias that Saul was a “chosen instrument” to carry His name before the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel (v.15) and would suffer for doing so (v.16). Ananias followed the Lord’s instructions and found Saul, on whom he laid hands, and told him of his vision of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, Saul received the Holy Spirit (v.17), regained his sight and was baptized (v.18). Saul immediately went into the synagogues proclaiming Jesus and saying He is the Son of God (v.20). The people were amazed and skeptical, as Saul’s reputation was well known. The Jews thought he had come to take away the Christians (v.21). Saul’s boldness increased as the Jews living in Damascus were confounded by Saul’s arguments proving that Jesus was the Christ (v.22).
As a result of this miraculous transformation, Saul became known as Paul (Acts 13:9). Paul spent time in Arabia, Damascus, Jerusalem, Syria and his native Cilicia, and Barnabas enlisted his help to teach those in the church in Antioch (Acts 11:25). Interestingly, the Christians driven out of Palestine by Saul of Tarsus founded this multiracial church (Acts 11:19-21). Paul took his first of three missionary journeys in the late 40s A.D. Paul wrote many of the New Testament books. Most theologians are in agreement that he wrote Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Philemon, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These 13 “letters” (books) make up the “Pauline Authorship” and are the primary source of his theology. As previously noted, the book of Acts gives us a historical look at Paul’s life and times. The Apostle Paul spent his life proclaiming the risen Christ Jesus throughout the Roman world, often at great personal peril (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). It is assumed that Paul died a martyr’s death in the mid-to-late 60s A.D. in Rome.
So, what can we learn from the life of the Apostle Paul? First, we learn that God can save anyone. The remarkable story of Paul repeats itself every day as sinful, broken people all over the world are transformed by God’s saving grace in Jesus Christ. Some of these people have done despicable things to other human beings, while some just try to live a moral life thinking that God will smile upon them on the day of judgment. When we read the story of Paul and know what he had done, it is difficult for us to believe that God would allow into heaven religious extremists who murder innocent women and children. Today, we might see people on death row as unworthy of redemption because their crimes against humanity are just too great. Yet we live our lives in a sinful manner, expecting that God will be impressed by the fact that we haven’t killed anyone. The story of Paul is a story that can be told today—he isn’t worthy in our eyes of a second chance, yet to God he is worthy. The truth is that every person matters to God, from the “good, decent,” average person to the “wicked, evil” degenerate. Only God can save a soul from hell.
Second, we learn from the life of Paul that anyone can be a humble, powerful witness for Jesus Christ. Arguably, no other human figure in the Bible demonstrated more humility while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as Paul. Acts 20:19 tells us that he “served the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to [him] through the plots of the Jews.” In Acts 28:31, Paul shares the good news of Jesus Christ: “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul was not afraid to tell others what the Lord had done for him. This verse is the very definition of Paul’s newfound life in Christ. He would spend the rest of his days working tirelessly for the kingdom of God.
Finally, we learn that anyone can surrender completely to God. Paul was fully “sold-out” for God. “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12-14). Paul was in prison when he wrote these words, yet he was still praising God and sharing the good news. Through his hardships and suffering, Paul knew the outcome of a life well lived for Christ. He had surrendered his life fully, trusting God for everything. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Can we make the same claim?
altruistico 
Of all the books in the New Testament, Paul’s letters–in my opinion–are the most difficult to understand. They are 100 percent accurate, but I don’t always know what Paul means. It’s comforting to know that I am not alone. Even the Apostle Peter said that in Paul’s letters are “some things hard to understand” (2 Peter 3: 15-16). I have a “Key Word Study Bible” (NASB) that I have not taken advantage of but hope to in the future. It may unlock some of those things that are “hard to understand.” (It is clear that Paul taught salvation by grace alone. So I’m not referring to salvation but to other teachings such as I Timothy 2: 15.) Thank you for posting.
Sheryl, I have gone back and gotten the post of which I was referring. It is as follows: http://wp.me/p1AE3F-6Kp You might check the comments section there to get a glimpse of what I had written…. also, read the article and let me know if either helps. Okay?
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You are quite welcome. And, thank you for your comments.
You are not alone in your plight of understanding Paul. I commented only this morning on a post of which was entitled (something to the effect) “Paul, Liar, Hypocrite and (something else). In my response I brought forth an argument, of sort, defending Paul as one who was forced, by the times, to walk amongst, and preach too, three very distinct groups of people. All of who, due to Paul’s past life as Saul and a hater of Christians, no one understandably trusted him. Perhaps I will find this response and sent it to you, perhaps it may help you.
may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you, Sheryl.
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I love Paul. Hel fascinates me. He was brilliant, devout, and perhaps the most misunderstood writer in the NT. His letters are challenging to read and understand. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to him. His letters make me think and re-think. I examine them over and over, and just when I think I’ve figured them out, I find a verse that baffles me. Blessings to you. I enjoy reading your posts.
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Good morning Sheryl. Forgive my delay in answering your comment. Today I dedicated almost all of the posts to women of the bible. all of whom are so interesting and have so much to share. lately I have been piecing together characters from the bible as I find each of them intriguing – totally fascinating. As it appears you do Paul. Paul was a fascinating character. Admittedly, I could not have imagined being Paul. The man clearly had fortitude, stamina and a deep love for both the Lord and the promise of Christianity. Why else would a man endure beatings, stoning and left for dead, ship wreak, imprisonment and ultimately death/martyrdom?
Yes, you are certainly correct. Paul was one of the most misunderstood and least appreciated men of the time. Even to this day Paul is so misunderstood. People actually believe he taught different messages to different groups of worshippers. In understanding the time in which Paul was making his rounds throughout Asia and Europe Christendom was in it’s infancy. Imagine if you will trying to convert the hardline Pharisee’s, witness to Messianic Jews and Gentiles. he would have had to walk a fine line in order to both “not offend anyone of any group and; at the same time, win converts to Christ. I think, if we can place ourselves into the period of which he preached, and the various groups which were prevalent, we can see Paul’s dilemma and begin to see why his being misunderstood, as well as mistrusted, stands out.
Let’s picture firstly Paul’s life. Born Saul and a Pharisee himself he was expected to be “a certain way.” Expected to live under the Law, preach the Law and to keep the Law. Add to this profile the fact of his being the foremost persecutor of early Christendom and it’s people. On the road to Damascus Paul’s sudden meeting of the Messiah had to be overwhelming (to say the least). Now, in an instant, Paul’s life is turned completely upside-down. All things are truly new. But the problems? He can not even begin to imagine.
Paul now has to tip-toe and maneuver to do the Messiah’s work. How will he develop trust? How will he give the message of the messiah to so many different and diverse groups of people and religious sects? Bear in mind he was a hater of Christians, a Pharisee and a new convert himself. He now has to go back to his fellow Pharisee’s and say “look, we have it all wrong here.” “This Christ fellow is for real and, know what? We missed it. We have to accept Him (Christ) as the Messiah because He is our Messiah, he who will save us – redeeming us from the sin of man.”
I believe many of the verses and chapters of Paul’s writing, and the Books of the Bible where they are found, elude to his maneuvering and frustrations in teaching the word of God and salvation through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (the messiah) to a populous of either new believers, still in their infancy and the old, set in their way Hebrews and Jews who were still under the Law of Moses. Coupled with the fact Christians and Messianic Jews held a high degree of mistrust for him as one of their prominent persecutors of the day. This thought might well be emphasized in where he often says: “this is not a command/commandment from our Lord, but from me.” I believe this somewhat illustrates his walk through cultural and religious diversity and his not wishing to offend anyone – thus build a trust amongst the multitudes; winning converts to the Lord. I believe Paul did much of the heavy lifting and paved the road for those teaching the word who followed.
Many Nay-Sayers of Paul say he was a false prophet, twisted things around, mislead people even to this day. However, Sheryl, I believe he was constantly treading on thin ice as his life’s abuses attest. The fact is he persevered, suffered and died for his believes in Jesus Christ the Messiah. His determination to witness for our savior defines who Paul was, and is, even to this day. Paul never allowed – being whipped on many occasion (receiving as many as 39 lashes each time), being stoned several times (and left for dead), shipped wreaked, and brought before Rome – to disengage him from “Spreading the Good News of Christ.” this is one of the foremost messages of Paul – that look, to be a witness for, and a follower of, Christ Jesus; you may well be required to give it all.” And too, “if the world hates you, as they have me (Paul), remember they hated our Savior first.”
When I look at the man, Paul, I say to myself this is the true man and his strength and integrity. Whatever else may be said about Paul – you have to subscribe to the fact that “he believed in what he was doing and who he was doing it for.” When confronted on all sides by those who hate and mistrust you it is a powerful message to say “I rejoice in my suffering and I endureth till the end.”
I trust that perhaps this might help you to look at Paul as the enduring man and may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you (and yours) always.
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Yes, he was treading on thin ice. One of the problems he faced was that most of the Gentiles he led to Christ had just come out of the pagan Roman culture. He told them, “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the tale of demons” (I Corinthians 10: 20, 21).
On the other hand, he had to deal with the Judiazers who said that the Gentile beleivers had to be circumcized before they could be saved. (Circumcision had never been required for salvation for Jew nor Gentile.)
Like Christ, Paul had to contend with the “traditions of men” that were not Biblical (Colossians 2: 8). Thank you for your response, which is always interesiing. God bless you.
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Good morning Sheryl and thank you for dropping by. You are so correct. What Paul was trying to teach the newly converted pagans was “totally foreign to them.” He was so often rejected as witnessed by the many imprisonments, whippings and stoning’s he suffered. Definitely a man “caught in the middle.”
Sheryl thank you for your kindest of words concerning my comments always being interesting. As when I place a post out there for readers I try to raise the curiosity and interest of both parties to the question. Trying to make my answer to that specific question clear, understandable and concise on the topic. I am hopeful that I obtain that goal each and every time.
Sheryl, may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours always. May He turn His face towards you and bring you His grace and love.
Your Brother in Christ;
Michael
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