...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY THE CALLING OF SAUL OF TARSUS A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. BRANDON JONES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS For BIBL 364 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE BY e of Contents Introduction 3 Saul of Tarsus 3 The Damascus Experience 4 The Call 6 The Conversion Debate 8 Conclusion 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY 11 Introduction The Book of Acts is a literary masterpiece filled with stories of miracles, faith, chronicles of the growth of Christianity, Holy Spirit encounters, and stories of supernatural conversions. It is one of the main books of the Bible studied to learn about the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s ability to use anything and anyone for His purpose. The “call” of Saul was one of the most significant events not only in the Book of Acts, but throughout the Bible. Christians in the Twenty-First Century owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Apostle Paul for his courage and obedience in answering the “call” of God. The spontaneous response to this call has a direct impact on Christians, Jews and non-Jews all over the world. The reason Saul’s call was so important was because it was a fulfillment of Jesus’s Great Commission. Saul’s pedigree as well as his character made him the least likely candidate to become one of the greatest Apostles to the Gentiles. This paper will examine who Paul of Tarsus was, the importance of his call, whether or not he was converted, and the impact his decision to answer God’s call...
Words: 2688 - Pages: 11
...The Apostle Paul By: Karie Kauffman The apostle Paul, next to Jesus, is the most interesting and intellectual person in Christianity. There are many astonishing things that happened in his life. His adult life started out very rough, but he managed to move forward from his past and accomplish many things. He healed the sick, raised the dead, spread the gospel, and wrote over half of the New Testament. Paul, was born soon after the birth of Christ, somewhere around 3 AD, and was given the name Saul. He was born in Tarsus, a Roman province south east if the Asia Minor. Tarsus is known for its scholars and great thinkers. Being born in this city to Jewish parents, there is no doubt that Saul would have a good education. It was Jewish tradition to study the Jewish law and traditions. In Acts 22:3 Paul refers to his origin and education, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia...I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.” The rabbi that taught Saul, Gamaliel, is a very famous teacher in Jerusalem. There is no actual records of Saul's birth and childhood, and the first mention of Saul was in Acts 8:1 after the stoning of Stephen. It says, “And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.” Saul had turned into a very evil man, and was one of the most prominent leader in the persecution against the newly formed Christian church. One of the most important events...
Words: 1997 - Pages: 8
...evaluate the contribution of Paul of Tarsus to the development and expression of Christianity. Paul of Tarsus is one of the most influential and notable people to ever help develop and express Christianity in the world. It is clear that without the work of Paul and his teachings on Jesus as well as mankind’s relationship with God, the Christian faith would have spread extremely slowly while also failing to impact others from around the world. Pauls work was the true push for Christianity to stand alone as a religion and no longer be seen as another sect of Judaism, with this Pauls work incorporated people of all faiths or backgrounds as long as they accepted...
Words: 1162 - Pages: 5
...The “Calling” of Saul of Tarsus Keith Vann Liberty University The “Calling” of Saul of Tarsus Hedrick, Charles W. “Paul’s Conversion/Call: A Comparative Analysis of the Three Reports in Acts.” Journal of Biblical Literature 100, no. 3 (September 1981): 415–432. Of great significance is the fact that Saul’s conversion experience is recounted three times in Acts. Scholars note this as being an important fact regarding the writings. The imagery of blindness is brought to the forefront. Saul was so blinded with his zeal to persecute something he felt so grievously wronged God that he tried to eliminate all who practiced this newfound religion. God blinded him to show him how much he had failed to see. When his sight is restored, he sees things from a new perspective. This is similar to the experience of those who undergo a conversion experience. Hoerber, Robert G. “Paul's Conversion/Call.” Concordia Journal 22, no. 2 (April 1996): 186–188. The controversy over whether Saul’s experience on the Damascus road was a conversion experience or simply the call to ministry. It has been suggested that Western culture has influenced the truth behind the story and what was beautiful calling of a devout man to reach the Gentiles, was turned into a conversion. There is no discounting the 180-degree turn around in Paul’s life. He went from murderous threats of anyone who called the name of Jesus to professing Jesus publically and being arrested, beaten and jailed for such...
Words: 850 - Pages: 4
...The Apostle Paul and John the Baptist Abstract The Apostle Paul and John the Baptist are two men with unique life experiences. They both lived two different lives, but are similar in so many ways. With their tenacity and zeal for the things of God, they both concurred the moment to present the way for us all! The Apostle Paul and John the Baptist The Apostle Paul, of Tarsus, wasn't always known by this name. Paul's name, before his conversion, was Saul. Saul was born in "Tarsus, which is the capital of Cilicia, a Roman province in the southeast of Asia Minor." Saul was a natural born Roman citizen, which was considered to be a privilege during those times. In his youth he picked up a trade as a tent builder. Eventually, he went off to school to further his education, studying Law at a great university. (Schnelle, U. 2005.) As Saul began to study the Law he grew fascinated with it and became a Pharisee. Pharisees believed that the Law should be followed to the letter. This group believed in God, but they did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. So, they set out to kill anybody who preached the opposite. Saul was zealous about the Law. He approved and witnessed to the murder, stoning, of Stephen, who preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Schnelle, U. 2005) After that Saul receives written permission from the High Priest to search in Damascus' synagogues for those...
Words: 2010 - Pages: 9
...Paul the Apostle (Greek: Παῦλος Paulos; c. 5 – c. 67), original name Saul of Tarsus (Greek: Σαῦλος Ταρσεύς Saulos Tarseus), was an apostle (though not one of the Twelve Apostles) who taught the gospel of Christ to the first-century world. He is generally considered one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age. In the mid-30s to the mid-50s, he founded several churches in Asia Minor and Europe. Paul used his status as both a Jew and aRoman citizen to advantage in his ministry to both Jewish and Roman audiences. Fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul, and approximately half of the Acts of the Apostlesdeals with Paul's life and works. Seven of the epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder. The Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews, already doubted in the 2nd and 3rd centuries but almost unquestioningly accepted from the 5th to the 16th centuries, is now almost universally rejected by scholars. The other six are believed by some scholars to have come from followers writing in his name, using material from Paul's surviving letters and letters written by him that no longer survive. Other scholars argue that the idea of a pseudonymous author for the disputed epistles raises many problems. Today, his epistles continue to be vital roots of the theology, worship, and pastoral life in the Roman and Protestant traditions of the West, as well...
Words: 4306 - Pages: 18
...that the Book of Acts was written by someone historically close to the events narrated, such as Luke was. Lukan authorship of the Book of Acts explains the extensive linguistic agreement between the it and the Gospel of Luke and the details that Luke includes about the church in Antioch, the city from which he hailed. Several secondary sources confirm the Lukan authorship of the Book of Acts. The Muratorian canon states "Moreover the Acts of the Apostles are included in one book. For 'most excellent Theophilus' Luke compiled the individual events that took place in his presence.” The Anti-Marcionite Prologue identifies Luke as the author of a second volume, Acts: "And afterwards the same Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles." Origen identifies the author of Acts as Luke, the same who wrote the gospel: "Others that it was Luke, he who wrote the gospel and the Acts" (H.E. 6.25.14). Clement of Alexandria accepts Lukan authorship of Acts, as indicated by the following statement: "As Luke in the Acts of the Apostles relates that Paul said, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious'" (Strom. 5.12). Similarly, Eusebius indicates that the view of Clement of Alexandria was that Luke wrote the Book of Acts. Jerome states that Luke wrote both a gospel and the Book of Acts: "He also wrote another...
Words: 3500 - Pages: 14
...St. Paul was an extremely important and influential person in the early development of Christianity. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus (modern day Turkey), was a tentmaker and a Roman citizen. He took the name “Paul” after he converted to Christianity. Paul lived the first half of his life as a Pharisee. As a Pharisee, he was a member of the Jewish religion that strictly lived by the Law of Moses. In fact, he spent much of his time persecuting people involved in the Christian movement. It was on such a journey on the road to Damascus , to root out Christian communities, that everything changed. On the road to Damascus, with military troops behind him, Paul (Saul) suddenly fell off his horse and to the ground while a bright light...
Words: 726 - Pages: 3
...104-D13 05/8/2015 New Testament Bible Dictionary Project: Romans/Paul/Ephesus Romans: This Epistle to the Romans, although usually shortened to just Romans, was written by the Apostle Paul around the times of 55 to 57 A.D. This is the 6th book of New Testament and out of all the letters or epistles that Paul wrote in his time, his letter to the Romans is the longest, most detailed and most ambitious. The two major personalities in this book are: the writer, the Apostle Paul, and Phoebe who delivered the letter to the Roman Christian Church. Paul addressed such things in this letter as; the meaning of the gospel, the importance of the gospel, the nature of Gods salvation, how salvation can be achieved by all whom seek it, the people who are in need of it, the effects of salvation on an individual’s life, and the impact of salvation on the community as a whole. “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine” (Romans 1:11-12). The most important and probably the central theme seen throughout this book is the faith in God’s righteousness and Christ’s sacrifice, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes... For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith" (Romans 1:16-17). Paul: Paul was personally responsible for writing quite a bit of the New Testament...
Words: 1002 - Pages: 5
...Life of St Paul: St Paul was born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia, given a Jewish name Saul. At the age of 5 he studied the Hebrew language and the Old Testament. Growing up, he lived a strict life of a Pharisee persecuting Christians, but on the road to Damascus, Jesus had confronted him “Saul why do you persecute me?” He blinded Paul for 3 days finally healed by an apostle, regaining his vision. Soon after he was baptised, changed his name to his Roman name Paulus (long for Paul), knowing he had to spread the word of God. After seeing the light of God, St Paul started to work as missionary travelling thousands of miles trying to convert people to Christianity and spreading the word where ever he went. He wrote important letters. He worked...
Words: 732 - Pages: 3
...Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, Simon and Judas Iscariot and James.) In the city of Galilee Jesus turns water into wine. Jesus disciples, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote the four gospels of Jesus Christ. Jesus travel different cities like, Galilee, Capernaum, and Jerusalem. Jesus is known for his mercies and healing the sick, rising the dead, opening the blinded eyes. Jesus had to stand trial before the authorities about “9am on Friday outside the walls of Jerusalem to the hill of Golgotha.” Jesus was 33 when he died, possibly in the year of “28 or 29 A.D.” THE BOOK OF GALATIANS. “The Epistle of Paul the Apostle of the Galatians.” Paul wrote the book of Galatians in the year around about (49 to 56 A.D.) The book of Galatians is in the New Testament. The book of Galatians has six chapters, “Paul’s Hebrew name was “Saul of Tarsus” and his Roman/ Greek name was Paul.” Paul was born in Roam and his mother and...
Words: 859 - Pages: 4
...The “calling” of Saul of Tarsus Online commentary: http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/acts.pdf Dyck, Harold J. “The Conversion of Paul: A Model?” Direction 9, no. 4 (O 1980): 3–9. Harrer, G. A. “Saul who also is Called Paul.” Harvard Theological Review 33, no. 1 (Ja 1940): 19–33. Hedrick, Charles W. “Paul’s Conversion/Call: A Comparative Analysis of the Three Reports in Acts.” Journal of Biblical Literature 100, no. 3 (S 1981): 415–432. Hoerber, Robert G. “Paul's Conversion/Call.” Concordia Journal 22, no. 2 (Ap 1996): 186–188. Kern, Philip H. “Paul's Conversion and Luke's Portrayal of Character in Acts 8–10.” Tyndale Bulletin 54, no. 2 (2003): 63–80. Leary, T. J. “Paul's Improper Name.” New Testament Studies 38, no. 3 (Jl 1992): 467–469.[1] McDonough, Sean M. “Small Change: Saul to Paul, Again.” Journal of Biblical Literature 125, no. 2 (Sum 2006): 390–391. Meyer, Wendel W. “The Conversion of St. Paul.” Anglican Theological Review 85, no. 1 (Winter 2003): 13–17. Ralston, Timothy J. “The Theological Significance of Paul’s Conversion.” Bibliotheca Sacra 147, no. 586 (Ap–Je 1990): 198–215. Rordorf, Willy. Translated by Peter W. Dunn. “Paul’s Conversion in the Canonical Acts and in the Acts of Paul.” Semeia 80 (1997): 137–144. Witherup, Ronald D. “Functional Redundancy in the Acts of the Apostles: A Case Study.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 48 (D 1992): 67-86. * Book with a single author or editor Author’s Last Name...
Words: 391 - Pages: 2
...Gospel most scholars now date Acts in the 80s or a bit later according to Carson and Moo (p. 298). Some scholars put their estimation at about 80-95 A.D. because they believe the Acts shows signs of having been written some years after the first volume of Luke’s Gospel. However, if one took into comparing this assumption to historical evidence the time frame of 80-95 A.D. falls short of accuracy as one could see in Acts 18 under the leadership of a certain Claudius a Roman leader Christian Jews were expelled out of Rome; and prominent among these Christians were Aquila and his wife Priscilla; a time of about C. 49 which history has well before A.D. 60. Finally most scholars settled for dating Acts before A.D. 70 settling on A.D. 62 with Paul been in Rome for two years. Going away from Biblical historicity of dating Acts it is also fair to state that Luke writing of Acts was absolutely before or at about the time of Emperor Nero’s (A.D. 64) persecution of Christians, as one could see Acts positive and hopeful style in regards to Rome’s attitude toward Christians. What role...
Words: 1924 - Pages: 8
...from Paul to the church of Rome. Paul had not ever been tovisit this church but had met some of the members in his travels. I tells of his plan to visit the church. He wrote this letter durning his third missionary trip in 57 A.D. In this letter he explains that God’s sa,vation plan is for everyone, Jews and Gentiles. Belief and acceptance in Jesus and his sacrifice is the only requirement for salvation. All now have the same access to Jesus, the messiah. Paul filled the letter with directives to handle many things like daily living for Christ. He covered righteousness in Jesus, justification, sanctification, spiritual growth and God’s sovernghty over all people, not just the Jews. He writes to explain that Jesus Christ is the savior and redeemer whose death on the cross made it possible for all of that. In the very beginning of the book Paul identifies himself as a servant or slave to Jesus and that Jesus Called him to be his apostle and set him apart for this purpose. (Romans 1:1) He later explains in The second chapter Paul explains how all, Jews and Gentiles are under the chains of sin and only Jesus can set us free through our faith in his ability to set us free. In chapter six he explains that because of Christ’s freedom from sin that we now must become slaves to God’s purpose for our lives. In this we make ourselves a sacrifice that lives out the death everyday to our selfish nature and the former slavery to our old life in sin. (Romans 12). Paul-Paul was responsible...
Words: 810 - Pages: 4
...torah) generally in the Greek or Aramaic translations. The early Christians practiced still in the Jewish synagogs. Tension raised inside the synagogue. The Jewish leaders and Pharisees persecuted the early Christians. Especially Saul of tarsus, who converted and changed his name to Paul. This led to the Christ believers to escape to Jerusalem. The Christians needed to separate themselves from the Jewish synagogue and form their own church. They still practiced the Jewish faith intertwined with Christ’ teachings and parables. The early Christians have believed that Christ would return to them in their life time. When it became clear to them that they needed to pass down the teachings to future generations, they started writing the teachings and accounts down. They had to create their own church structure. Where baptism and the lords supper were essential. The first gospel written was the book of mark. Mark depended on written documents in Greek and oral history in his community. Later Mathew and Luke where written. Where scholars see that Mathew and Luke’s teachings were cummunative of mark and the source “Q”. “Q” being an oral community. The early church taught how Jesus was a radical reformer of the Jewish faith. Who the apostles were and what they did. How to become and remain a disciple of Christ. The pillars of the church were peter, James, and john who set up a church in Jerusalem for Hebrew Christians while adopting the Jewish organizational structure...
Words: 520 - Pages: 3
