Paul was one f the most dynamic Christian leaders in Church history, and responsible for writing much of the New Testament. Yet few Christians know where he came from and how he came into his role of persecutor prior to his conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul’s early life was marked by affluence; his parents were prosperous and owned enough property to qualify as citizens of Tarsus, a well-heeled college town of the first century. His father was a Pharisee and of the tribe of Benjamin. The family spoke Greek, but Paul was also fluent in Aramaic and had memorized large portions of the Septuagint.

Young Paul was home schooled for reading, writing and arithmetic, and took his biblical studies at the synagogue in Tarsus. Following his basic education, he learned the skill of tentmaking and moved to Jerusalem. There he lived with his sister and went to college, studying under the great Rabban Gamaliel. His professor held a doctorate and was one of only seven to receive the title Rabban. He taught a much wider spectrum of literary thought, which included Greek writings, which was to compliment the more cosmopolitan social life unique to the capital city.

Paul graduated top of his class and returned to his home town, taking his vows and becoming a member of the Sanhedrin. This was a position of honor, and held many requirements which tell us much about Paul that was left out of the Scriptures. For example, at the time of Stephen’s stoning, the first time we hear of Paul in the book of Acts, he would have been in his 30’s. This puts his birth at a time similar to Jesus’ and his death at about age 68. Also, the position required he be married with children. When he married and had children is unknown, but likely would have happened while studying in Jerusalem. What became of his family is unknown, perhaps he was a widower, or maybe his family disowned him after his conversion to Christianity.

Paul’s complex family life – Jewish, from a Greek city, having Roman citizenship and being well versed in speaking with peoples from other cultures -- helped mold him in such a way that the missionary life suited him remarkably well. J. Oswald Sanders writes in his book, Paul the Leader, puts it this way:

“Both by birth and by training Paul possessed the tenacity of the Jew, the culture of the Greek, and the practicality of the Roman, and these qualities enabled him to adapt to the [many different types] of people among whom he was to move.”

His tentmaking skills saved him from having to burden the church for finances and permitted him the freedom to both council and rebuke members of the faith openly.

In a culture such as ours, when the voice of the church has been muted, men like Paul are a vital necessity. Our emphasis has been on the pastor or priest – leaders of the congregation. Perhaps our focus should have been on listening to the voices in our community. It is the duty of every believer to be faithful, learned, outspoken when it comes to error, and loving in regard to forgiveness.

Food for thought:

From Paul, a slave of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began. -- Titus 1:1–2