The Apostle Paul

Other than Jesus Himself, there is no more noteworthy character in the New Testament than the apostle Paul.  Thus it seems wise to spend a bit of time exploring this man and knowing him a little better.

Paul was originally Saul, having his name changed later as he became a Christian.  He was from Tarsus of Cilicia in southeast Asia Minor, a Roman province at the time.  He was born a Roman citizen which would be a help to him in later years as there were limits placed on the type of punishment given to one holding citizenship.  He was thoroughly Jewish, so much so that he was persecuting Christians, thinking that this new "Way" was detrimental to the flourishment of the Jewish system. 

Paul's conversion is recorded in three places in the book of Acts: chapters 9, 22, and 26.  In chapter 9 is where the event actually occurs; then it is retold by Paul in chapters 22 and 26.  This transformation comes about by the direct visitation to him by Jesus as Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus.  Jesus spoke to him saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"  Jesus told him to go into the city of Damascus where it would be told to him what he should do.  A devout Jew who had become a disciple of Jesus came to Saul, as recorded in Acts 22, and said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.  For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.  And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."  This, of course, he did.

From Acts chapter 9 on, the book of Acts follows the life of Paul and his companions as they preach Jesus to the Jews and the gentiles.  Paul is the most prolific writer of the NT, having written about half of the NT books.  And he is called, and calls himself, an apostle because he was actually visited by Jesus and had direct contact with him.  Paul connects with us as we read his epistles, his letters; we see his love for the Lord, his love for his brethren.....and really his love for us in his teaching and admonition.

Thanks for reading again.  Have a blessed week.