Paul’s origin

In the New Testament there are various statements about the apostle. He describes himself like this:

“I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus in Galicia, but raised in this city[Jerusalem]: At the feet of Gamaliel I was instructed in the exact interpretation of my father’s law and was a zealot for God.” (Acts 22:3)

Paul was born outside of Israel, in the city of Tarsus to Jewish parents. Tarsus is located on the Mediterranean Sea in what is now Turkey. Accordingly, his family and he himself were part of the Jewish Diaspora, the dispersion of Israel among all nations. However, he received his education in Jerusalem, where he was taught by one of the very great Jewish teachers. Gamaliel (Rabban Gamaliel the Elder) is considered the most important Jewish teacher of his time. Gamaliel – and so also Paul – belonged to the group of Pharisees (Phil 3:5, Acts 23:6).

From Saul to Paul

At first he was called Saul or directly “Saul of Tarsus” (Acts 9:11). Saul is his Hebrew name. Paul is his Greek name, which is encountered later in the book of Acts. In Acts there is a change from the name “Saul” to the name “Paul” at the moment he begins to fulfill his task (Acts 13:9).

This change of name is found in the expression “from Saul to Paul.” This is to denote a change in attitude. However, this is a misunderstanding. The change from being a persecutor of the church to being an ardent follower of Jesus Christ did not result in this name change. He simply continued to be called Saul. The name change came later. It is remarkable how already his calling speaks of a task for the nations (the Gentiles or non-Jewish peoples), and the Greek name “Paul” belongs best to this international approach.

“This one is a chosen instrument unto Me [Gott] to bear My name before the eyes of the nations, as well as of the kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Acts 9:15-16

Paul in the New Testament

Besides the letters that Paul wrote, we also find here and there further information about the apostle as a person. We read about his origin, his position within Israel and some other things. Here are the most important Bible passages:

  • Stephen and Saul: Acts 6-7
  • Saul rages against the church: Acts 8:1-3
  • Calling of Saul on the way to Damascus: Acts 9
  • Installation for ministry and change of name to Paul: Acts 13:1-3; Acts 13:9.
  • Saul was a persecutor of the church. This experience shaped his life and teaching: 1Tim 1:12-17
  • Paul was a Jew, a scribe of the best lineage and tradition, who would have a great future ahead of him in Judaism (Acts 22:3). But all this he later considered loss, and esteemed it little, that he might gain Christ: Phil 3:4-7.
  • In retrospect, he recognizes God’s activity in His life: Gal 1:11-24.

Calling by God’s grace

This Paul was called by God, not because of his own achievements, but because of God’s grace.

“… God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace …”
Gal 1:15

This experienced grace is central in all his letters. In him, a perspective develops that is not found in this form in the Gospels or in the 12 apostles. The Epistle to the Romans is a foundation for what the apostle twice rightly calls “his gospel” (Rom 2:16, Rom 16:25).

A new world opens up when Paul proclaims good news.

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