His name was Saul – Paul part 1
His original name was Saul, until he clashed with Bar-Jesus at Paphos and then he became Paul.
As a Roman citizen he bore both names from his youth.
He changed it to Paul when he entered the leadership of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles.
The main source of his life is found in the Acts of the Apostles.
Background
He combined Greek culture, Roman citizenship and the Hebrew religion.
He was born near the beginning of the first century at Tarsus, on the north east corner of the Mediterranean Sea. The city was the noted centre for the manufacture of goats hair cloth, and where he learnt the trade of tent making. (Acts18 v3). It was a University town, so this helped him understand the life and views of the Roman empire. Although he was born a Roman citizen it is not understood how this came about. He knew how to use this as a shield from the injustices of the local magistrates.
He was born the son of a Pharisee (Acts23v6) and cradled in orthodox Judaism. At the correct age (13ish) he was sent to complete his studies under Gamaliel.
His first appearance in Acts is when he was about thirty years old and already an acknowledged leader in Judaism. His active opposition to Christianity made him a natural leader of the persecution of Stephen. He was convinced that Christians were heretics and demanded their extermination. (Acts 26v9).
Conversion
His persecution was doubles repugnant to his fine inner sensitivities, although he did not doubt the righteousness of the cause.
As he was approaching Damascus the transforming crisis occurred. Repeatedly Paul refers to the work of divine grace and power transforming him, and commissioning him as Christ’s messenger. There are three accounts of this. The first is by Luke (9v1-31)and is historical, the other two are by Paul (chapter 22v1-29)and (chapter 26 all) and stress events leading to the endeavour.
Once Saul identified the supernatural as being Jesus, he saw the error of his ways and surrendered instantly and completely. There were three days of fasting and blindness which were heart searching days for him. The ministry of Ananius of Damascus consummated the conversion and opened the door to Christian fellowship at Damascus. Later in life Paul realised how God had been preparing him for his future work. (Galations1v15-16).
Next time
His early years and his missionary journeys. (Heather)