Why study the life of Paul?
Some conversions are quiet.
Others are radical.
Paul’s was like a lightning bolt that split his life in two:
A before, marked by religious pride…
And an after, set ablaze by grace.
Studying Paul is understanding that no heart is ever too far for God.
That the darkest past can become a testimony.
And that a life surrendered to the Gospel can impact the entire world.
Brief Biography
Original name: Saul (Sha’ul in Hebrew); later known as Paul (Paulus in Latin, meaning “small”)
Origin: Tarsus of Cilicia, a Roman city (modern-day Turkey)
Parents: Jews from the tribe of Benjamin; his father was likely a Pharisee
Birth: Around 5–10 A.D.
Death: Likely between 64–67 A.D., martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero
Marital status: The Bible does not mention a wife or children
What was happening in the world during Paul’s life?
Paul was born and lived during the height of the Roman Empire, in a time of relative peace known as the Pax Romana. This political stability and the vast network of Roman roads helped spread the Gospel.
- Rome ruled much of the known world, imposing its culture, language (Latin), laws, and polytheistic religion.
- Jerusalem was under Roman control, and the Jewish people lived in constant tension with imperial authorities while awaiting the Messiah.
- In Greece, though under Roman rule, the philosophical influence of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle remained strong.
- In India, Hinduism flourished and Buddhism spread under the Kushan Empire.
- In China, the Han dynasty reigned, marking one of the most influential eras in science, astronomy, and commerce.
- In the Americas, the Maya and Moche cultures were rising, developing astronomy, architecture, and agriculture.
While great empires sought power, knowledge, and expansion…
God raised up a man to proclaim a kingdom not of this world.
Why is Paul important in the Bible?
Because he was the apostle to the Gentiles, the bridge between Judaism and the non-Jewish world.
He wrote 13 letters in the New Testament, which remain foundational to Christian doctrine.
He planted churches, trained disciples, wrote from prison, endured beatings, shipwrecks, and rejection—
All for the love of Christ and the message of the cross.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
— Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
What was his position in society?
Saul was an exemplary Pharisee, a student of Gamaliel, a Roman citizen, and a man of great influence.
He was respected, well-educated, and zealous for the Law.
But when he met Jesus, he gave it all up to gain Christ (Philippians 3:7–8).
He traded his status for the cross.
What was his personality like?
Paul was bold, intense, deep, and completely devoted to Christ.
- He had a strong character, correcting with firmness.
- But also the tenderness of a spiritual father (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8).
- He was tireless in his mission, passionate for truth.
- He suffered much, but never lost his faith.
- He was a scholar, but wrote from the heart.
- Persecuted… yet full of joy.
His life was a blend of theology, suffering, and love.
Why will he always be remembered?
Because he preached where no one else wanted to go.
Because he was stoned, beaten, imprisoned… but never gave up.
He will be remembered as:
- The missionary who brought the Gospel to the Gentile world
- The teacher who raised up disciples like Timothy and Titus
- The writer who gave us eternal truths
- The servant who said:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
— Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
What example can we learn from him?
- That no one is beyond the reach of grace
- That when Christ transforms, He transforms completely
- That living for Christ is worth more than any human success
- That true faith endures prison, loneliness, and suffering
- That God’s calling is worth more than the world’s approval
Key Verse
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)
What was his relationship with Jesus like?
Though Paul never met Jesus during His earthly life, he had a direct encounter with Him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).
That moment was so powerful it changed his identity, his mission, and his eternity.
From then on, his relationship with Christ was personal, passionate, and complete.
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
— Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
What would Paul do today?
He would go to the hardest places.
Preach in prisons, forgotten neighborhoods, universities, social media…
And he wouldn’t rest until Christ was formed in every heart (Galatians 4:19).
Paul wouldn’t chase fame or recognition—only one thing:
“Finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
— Acts 20:24 (NIV)
Prayer
Lord Jesus, transform my life as You transformed Paul’s.
Give me passion for You, boldness to speak, and humility to obey.
Let my past not hold me back… and may Your grace propel me forward.
I want to live for You, serve You, and proclaim You with all that I am.
Amen.
To Meditate on This Week
- Acts 9 — The conversion of Saul
- Philippians 3:7–14 — I consider everything a loss for Christ
- 2 Corinthians 11:23–28 — Paul’s sufferings as a servant of God
“Paul reminds us that grace doesn’t just forgive… it transforms and sends.”
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