Topical Encyclopedia Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity and the New Testament. He is renowned for his missionary journeys, theological insights, and epistles that form a significant portion of the New Testament canon. Paul identifies himself as being from the tribe of Benjamin, a detail that underscores his Jewish heritage and Pharisaic background.Tribal Heritage Paul's declaration of his tribal affiliation is found in his epistle to the Philippians, where he writes, "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee" (Philippians 3:5). This statement highlights his deep roots in Jewish tradition and law, emphasizing his credentials and authority in addressing both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Israel's history. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the tribe is known for its fierce warriors and loyalty. The first king of Israel, Saul, was also from the tribe of Benjamin, which may have influenced Paul's original name. The tribe's territory was strategically located, encompassing Jerusalem and parts of the surrounding region, which played a significant role in Israel's history. Paul's Early Life and Conversion Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and was a Roman citizen by birth. His upbringing was steeped in Jewish tradition, and he was educated under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee teacher (Acts 22:3). This education equipped Paul with a profound understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures and the ability to engage with both Jewish and Hellenistic cultures. Initially, Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians, believing he was upholding the purity of Jewish law. His life took a dramatic turn on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ. This transformative experience is recounted in Acts 9:3-6 : "As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' He replied." Missionary Work and Writings Following his conversion, Paul became a fervent apostle of Christ, dedicating his life to spreading the Gospel. He embarked on several missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing churches and nurturing early Christian communities. His epistles, addressed to these communities, provide theological guidance and practical instruction, addressing issues of faith, morality, and church organization. Paul's writings, such as Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and others, articulate key Christian doctrines, including justification by faith, the role of the Law, and the nature of the Church. His ability to bridge Jewish and Gentile worlds was instrumental in the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish roots. Legacy Paul's identification with the tribe of Benjamin serves as a testament to his Jewish heritage and his role as a bridge between Jewish tradition and the burgeoning Christian faith. His life and writings continue to be a source of inspiration and theological reflection for Christians worldwide. His legacy is one of transformation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the message of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Romans 11:1I say then, Has God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Nave's Topical Index Philippians 3:5 Library Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ... Paul Why Saul Became Paul Early Life the Place of Paul +The Man The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind. The Epistle to the Philippians the Variances Amongst the Preachers ... On Genesis. Paul Before his Conversion. Philippians iii. 3-Jan The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the account of Paul and Silas? | 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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