Paul’s story is told in Acts 7:58-28:31
Who Is Paul?
- Early Life
- Originally Named Saul: Yep, he wasn’t always Paul. He was born Saul in Tarsus, a city in what’s now modern-day Turkey.
- Pharisee Background: Grew up in a strict Jewish home, became a Pharisee, and was super committed to Jewish law.
- Persecutor of Christians: Initially, Saul was on a mission to squash this new Christian movement, even consenting to the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
- Conversion
- Road to Damascus: On a trip to Damascus to arrest Christians, he has a blinding encounter with Jesus.
- Name Change: Changes his name from Saul to Paul after his conversion.
- Missionary Work
- Apostle to the Gentiles: His main audience was non-Jewish people.
- Church Planter: Established several churches across the Roman Empire.
- Letter Writer: Wrote letters (epistles) to churches, many of which are part of the New Testament.
Strengths and Accomplishments
- Intelligent and Well-educated
- Versatile Communicator: Knew how to speak to different cultures and classes.
- Courageous
- Fearless Preacher: Wasn’t afraid to share his beliefs, even when faced with imprisonment and death.
- Authorship
- Wrote 13 (or 14, if you include Hebrews) New Testament Books: This includes Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and more.
Weaknesses and Mistakes
- Initial Persecution of Christians
- Contributed to Suffering: Was responsible for the arrest and persecution of early Christians.
- Confrontations and Conflicts
- Disagreement with Peter: Had a public spat with Peter over the issue of associating with Gentiles.
- Separated from Barnabas: Parted ways with Barnabas over a disagreement on taking John Mark on a journey.
Lessons from His Life
- Transformation is Possible
- From Persecutor to Apostle: Shows that people can change.
- Importance of Grace
- Grace Over Works: Taught that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not just following the law.
- Suffering and Strength
- Found Strength in Weakness: Endured numerous hardships but saw them as a way to demonstrate God’s strength.
Key Verses (NIV)
- Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”
- Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”