The Background: Zealotry and Hostility

The story of Paul (Saul) is detailed primarily in the Book of Acts and throughout his own Epistles (letters) in the New Testament.

• His Location and Status: Paul was born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) and was a man of high status:

  • Jewish Scholar: He was educated in Jerusalem under the famous Jewish rabbi Gamaliel and belonged to the rigorous, highly influential sect of the Pharisees (Acts 22:3, Philippians 3:5). He was an expert in Jewish law.

  • Roman Citizen: His birthplace granted him Roman citizenship, which provided him with legal protection and unique travel privileges that were vital for his future ministry.

• His Work Before Christ: Before his conversion, Saul was a fervent opponent and persecutor of Christians. He viewed the followers of Jesus as a dangerous, blasphemous cult that needed to be eradicated. He was directly involved in the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen (Acts 7:58). His life was defined by intense zeal, but it was directed against God's people.

I. The Character-Defining Encounter

Saul’s radical transformation was instantaneous and occurred while he was on an official mission to arrest Christians.

• The Damascus Road: While traveling to Damascus, Saul was struck blind by a brilliant light and heard the voice of Jesus Christ saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4)

• The Conversion: In that moment, Saul understood that Jesus was alive and that by attacking Christians, he was attacking God himself. This encounter changed everything. Saul's blindness lasted three days, symbolizing his period of total dependence and spiritual reset. The name Paul (meaning small or humble) eventually replaced his Hebrew name, Saul, symbolizing his new, humble identity in Christ.

• The Commission: God then sent a believer named Ananias to heal Paul's sight and commission him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews)—the very people he had previously considered spiritually inferior.

II. The Character of Selfless Dedication

Paul's life after his conversion was characterized by relentless, selfless dedication, establishing him as the most influential figure in early Christianity.

• The Theologian: Paul's letters (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, etc.) form the theological backbone of the New Testament, explaining the meaning of Christ's death and resurrection and clarifying the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

• The Missionary: He endured countless hardships—shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and constant opposition—as he traveled thousands of miles across the Roman Empire on three major missionary journeys, founding churches and training leaders (2 Corinthians 11:23–28).

• The Character Trait: A Focus on Grace: Paul’s humility stemmed from the fact that he never forgot who he used to be. He consistently referred to himself as the “chief of sinners” and an “unworthy apostle” (1 Timothy 1:15). His zeal now came from a grateful heart, knowing that he had been entirely forgiven and given a second chance by grace.

Applying the Truth Today

Paul's character is a thrilling picture of God’s grace and the power of transformation for the new Christian. If God could transform the most dedicated enemy of the Church into its most passionate apostle, He can certainly use you.

Paul's life assures you that your past mistakes, your failures, or even your outright hostility to faith do not disqualify you from a high calling. Embrace the grace that saved you, and let that gratitude fuel your selfless service to Christ.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. The Unexpected Call. How does Paul's dramatic shift from persecutor to preacher encourage you about the possibility of radical change in people you might currently view as hostile or "unreachable"?

2. Chief of Sinners. Why did Paul, years after his conversion, still refer to himself as the “chief of sinners”? How does maintaining a humble remembrance of your past failure increase your gratitude for God's forgiveness?

3. Zeal Re-directed. Paul was intensely zealous before and after his conversion. What area of passion or talent in your life might God be asking you to re-direct toward His mission?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp his past and conversion, read Acts 9:1–9. Next, focus on his primary theological message in Ephesians 2:8–10. Finally, read his reflection on his service and humility in 1 Timothy 1:12–16.