God's Men

Paul was born in Tarsus, the chief city of Cilicia (Asia Minor). He was born a Roman citizen, a privilege that worked to his advantage on several occasions during his apostolic ministry. Paul, was part of his Roman name and Saul was his Jewish name as he belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.

Although Paul was born in Tarsus, he was brought up in Jerusalem, "at the feet of Gamaliel," the most illustrious rabbi of his day. Paul proved to be an apt pupil in that he outstripped many of his fellow students in his enthusiasm for ancestral traditions and his zeal for Jewish law. Paul's zeal led him to assault the church in Jerusalem. The church's worst offense to what Paul held dear, was to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah. The survival of Israel demanded that the followers of Jesus be whipped out.

At the height of Paul's campaign of repression, he was confronted, on the road to Damascus, by the risen Christ. In an instant, his life was reoriented. The Jewish law was replaced as the central theme of Paul's life by Jesus Christ. He became the leading champion of the cause that he had tried to overthrow. 

Paul was a controversial figure in his lifetime, even within the Christian movement. He had several opponents who disagreed with his interpretation of the message of Jesus. However, Paul's letters, along with the gospels,  became the foundation of the Christian movement. 

Paul's liberating message has proved its vitality throughout the centuries. Repeatedly, when the Christian faith has been in danger of being shackled by legalism or tradition, Paul's message has allowed the gospel to set man free.  

Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary