Topical Encyclopedia Paul, originally known as Saul, is a central figure in the New Testament, renowned for his role as an apostle to the Gentiles and his extensive contributions to early Christian theology. His birthplace, the city of Tarsus, plays a significant role in understanding his background and the unique perspective he brought to his ministry.Tarsus: A City of Significance Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia, was a prominent city in the ancient world. It was known for its cultural and intellectual environment, boasting a university that rivaled those of Athens and Alexandria. This setting provided Paul with a rich educational background, likely exposing him to Greek philosophy and rhetoric, which later influenced his ability to engage with diverse audiences. Paul's Roman Citizenship Paul's birth in Tarsus also granted him Roman citizenship, a privilege that afforded him certain legal protections and social advantages. This status is evident in Acts 22:28, where Paul asserts, "I was born a citizen." His citizenship played a crucial role in his missionary journeys, allowing him to travel more freely across the Roman Empire and appeal to Roman authorities when necessary, as seen in Acts 25:11-12. Jewish Heritage and Pharisaic Training Despite his Roman citizenship and Hellenistic environment, Paul was deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage. He was a Pharisee, trained under the esteemed Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3). This dual identity as a Jew and a Roman citizen equipped Paul with a unique ability to bridge cultural divides, making him an effective communicator of the Gospel to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. Paul's Transformation and Mission Paul's early life in Tarsus and subsequent training in Jerusalem set the stage for his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6). This transformative encounter with the risen Christ redirected his zeal from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the most fervent proponents of the faith. His letters, which form a substantial portion of the New Testament, reflect his theological insights and pastoral concerns, addressing issues of faith, grace, and the nature of the Church. Impact on Early Christianity Paul's background as a native of Tarsus, a Roman citizen, and a Pharisee uniquely positioned him to articulate the message of Christ in a way that resonated across cultural and religious boundaries. His missionary journeys and epistles were instrumental in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, laying the foundation for the global Church. In summary, Paul's birth in Tarsus and his diverse background were integral to his identity and mission as an apostle. His life and writings continue to influence Christian thought and practice, underscoring the profound impact of his ministry on the early Church and beyond. Nave's Topical Index Acts 9:11And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, Nave's Topical Index Acts 21:39 Acts 22:3 Library Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man Paul Before his Conversion. The Epistles of St. Paul Paul's Narrow Escape from Death The Epistles of Paul St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ. Paul a Prisoner Second Missionary Journey His Unconscious Preparation for his Work Acts xxi. 39, 40 Resources Is the New Perspective on Paul biblical? | GotQuestions.orgDid Paul ever meet Jesus in person? | GotQuestions.org Who was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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