Early life
Although Paul was not one of the twelve apostles. But he was certainly an outstanding apostle of the Lord. He is regarded as one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age as he spread the gospel of truth to many parts of the world during the first century.
Paul was born as Saul in Tarsus in Cilicia around A.D. 1–5. He was of Benjamite lineage and Hebrew ancestry (Philippians 3:5–6). His parents were Pharisees who adhered strictly to the Law of Moses. He was also a Roman citizen (Acts 22:27).
At a very early age, he mastered the Jewish faith under rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). After his early training, Saul set to become a lawyer and a member of the Sanhedrin. He was very zealous for the Jewish faith and was present at the stoning and death of the first martyr of the church Stephen (Acts 7:58). Later on, he took an active role in persecuting the early church using brutal violence (Acts 8:3).
Conversion
Thankfully, the grace of God changed his life when he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22). Saul saw a bright light from heaven. And he heard Jesus saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He responded, “Who are you Lord?” Jesus answered directly and clearly, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (v. 4-5). After this encounter, he gave his life to the Lord and the Holy Spirit converted and changed his life completely. From that point on, his name became known as Paul (Acts 13:9).
Ministry and death
The Apostle Paul spent the rest of his days preaching the risen Christ Jesus throughout the Roman world, during which he faced great trials and persecutions (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). His ministry was directed to the Gentiles. And in the mid-30s to the mid-50s AD, he established several churches in Asia Minor and Europe.
Despite the great difficulties that he faced, Paul praised the Lord always and spoke the truth boldly wherever he went (Acts 16:22–25; Philippians 4:11–13). He declared, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). His existence was comprehended in, and bounded by His Lord (Romans 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 2:20).
Today, Paul’s letters to the churches form an essential basis to the theology, worship, and pastoral life for the Christian church. His 13 “books” constitute the “Pauline Authorship.” It is believed that Paul died, in Rome, a martyr’s death in the mid-to-late 60s A.D.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
