It is ironic how Saul (Paul) shared the same name and tribe, Benjamin, of Israel’s first King. King Saul was rejected by God and replaced with King David. Saul, later to become the Apostle Paul, wasn’t changed in name only; he was totally changed from the inside out. He, too, was rejected by God and replaced with Paul the Apostle.
Saul (Paul) grew up in a town called ‘Tarsus’, in modern day Turkey; he was raised in a strict Jewish home fully acquainted with the law. His early years brought him in contact with a popular religion called ‘Stoicism’, which in part would prepare him for his eventual transformation to becoming one of Christianity’s most powerful defenders.
Paul left his hometown of Tarsus and travelled to Jerusalem to study under the elder Gamaliel to become a scribe, an interpreter of the law. To say he was a good student would be an understatement. His knowledge of the law and zeal to protect it would make him chief prosecutor of any who would oppose it. The Jewish establishment found a champion in him, or so they thought. The proof of his strict adherence to the law was most evident in the book of Acts while watching and approving the martyrdom of Stephen.
Unbeknownst to Saul (Paul) this prosecutorial path that he was on would lead him straight to the one who would change his life forever.
Walk with me in the footsteps of Saul the prosecutor and witness the birth of a new man, one that would be remembered as a staunch defender of the Gospel and writer of majority of the New Testament.
I am looking forward to your comments. Stay tuned for part II.
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