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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

THE CONVERSION OF SAUL OF TARSUS

A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. CRAIG M. MILLER IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIBL364

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE

BY RICHARD JAMES THOMPSON

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LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA MARCH 9, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ----------------------------------------------------- 3 SAUL SAUL SAUL

OF OF OF

TARUS PRE-CONVERSION --------------------------------------- 4 TARUS CONVERSION ------------------------------------------- 7 TARUS

POST

CONVERSION --------------------------------------- 9

BIBLIOGRAPHY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10

Thompson 3 The Conversions of Saul of Tarsus

INTRODUCTION The conversion of Saul of Tarsus to the follower of Christ, Paul, is more than a name change. Sauls conversion is considered one of the greatest impacts on the early church that todays Christian world still feels the effects. It is not that it is Saul, himself, but how God equipped him prior and after his conversion to perform the Lords will. In the investigation of Paul conversion, it is important to identify three aspects of the person of Saul in relation to his pre-conversion, his conversion, and his post conversion factors that impacted Gods Will and Noted as a reversal of an enemy,1(Gaventa 155) Saul conversion is unique in the fact that Saul was in the midst of persecution against the Way movement and had just finished watching Stephens stoning. In Acts 9:1-7, 1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lords disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. (NIV) After the Romans gain controlled of the Cicilian province, they permitted numerous Jewish families to become Roman citizens, Saul of Tarsus is included in this cultural induction and the freedoms that was allowed as a Roman citizen. Saul was a highly erudite Jew and part of the Pharisaic elect. 2(Saint Paul, web). Both his Jewish education and Roman citizenship would greatly benefit Paul on during his missionary journeys, in his letters, and as witness to Christ.

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1 Gaventa, R. From Darkness to Light: Aspects of Conversions in the New Testament. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress, 1986. pg 155. 2 Encyclopedia, The Catholic. St. Paul. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.ht

Thompson 4 Saul of Tarus Pre-Conversion

Tarsus was positioned within the Asia Minor and Sauls ancestors were inhabitants of the Jewish dispersion who lived in Babylon. Sauls parents were highly affluent strict Jews providing him tutelage under Rabbi Gamaliel, consider the furthermost rabbi of the time. Distinguished Christian scholar Dr. Elmer Towns view concerning Paul's rabbinical education were that,

"Rabbinic education focused on the Hebrew Bible and its traditional interpretations. But it also exposed neophyte rabbis to the "wisdom of the Greeks." The Talmud reports that Rabbi Simeon ben Gamaliel II, a second century teacher, implemented a dual curriculum by having five hundred students study the traditions of the Hebrews and another five hundred the writings of the Greeks, midpoint in their program reversing the relationship. Despite its antagonism to all Hellenistic systems of thought, Judaism was not averse to borrowing ideas and forms from the Greek world if it could press them into service for the God of Israel.3(Towns 42) The importance of Saul education impact on Christianity is in concerns with post-conversion period, but important to note that this was preparatory work was here to show the design of God. In due course, he became a Pharisee, leading the charge against the Way; brutally persecuted the Community. Paul was a man of action that with zeal and conviction never grew tired of his fight with the early church. The confrontation of Christianity and Judaism was a pivotal part of Sauls Life prior to his conversion, which later he would promote the Christianity with the same fiery personality. He encouraged the violent act that destroyed the first of the martyrs, in the stoning of Stephen. 4(Picirilli 26-27)

3 Towns, Elmer. "A History of Relgious Educators ." 42. Grand Rapids : Baker Book House, 1975. 4 Picirilli, Robert E. "Paul the Apostle." 25-30. Chicago: Moody Press, 1986.

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In Acts 7:60-8:3, then he involve himself in a extensive persecution including, going from house to house, he dragged out the believers, both men and women and threw them into jail. (NIV) Sauls pre-conversion state was one entrenched in opposition of Gods will that had violent repercussions for the early church. Bock States that, Saul is the ultimate example of Gods initiative to save the enemy, who, more importantly, is still a sinner who is loved and in need of salvation. (Bock 350) Before Saul conversion he was trained in an education and citizen that would unlock his lasting impact on Christianity through the intervention of the Lord. A testament to our fallen state, which the Lord loves the sinner, but the sinner must acknowledge the need of salvation.

Saul of Tarsus Conversion

After the time of Stephen stoning, Saul undertook a charge to Damascus; intent to continue attacking Christians. On the road to Damascus Saul incurs a flash of light:
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As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?
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Who are you, Lord? Saul asked.

I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. (Acts 9:3-5 NIV) Sauls, use of Lord in his question here is not christological confession but indicates his high respect for the heavenly one in the vision.6(Bock 358) Then the Lord commissioned Saul to go to Damascus and await instruction. (Acts 9:6) In an imagery of Saul prior to conversion, he is blinded to wait in Damascus for three days. In

5 Bock, Darrell L.ACTS. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007.pg 350. 6 Ibid 358

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Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias and the Lord called to him in a revelation, and told Ananias to place his hands on Saul so he may see again, so when Ananias laid his hands upon Saul, Ananias said, Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 9:17 NIV) Upon Sauls reliance on the Lord direction, his eyes are clear and spiritual and physically Saul can see the direction of the Lord. (Acts 9:18-19 NIV) Fitzmyer comments on this point and says this is, not an account of his psychological conversion, as it often characterized, but the story of how divine grace transforms even the life of a persecutor.7(Fitzmyer)

Receiving the grace of the Lord, Saul immediately is transform after his conversion; following the Lord in baptism. In his maturity through Christ and as time passes, Saul has a progressive recognition of his own sinfulness is echoed in how he portrays his prior persecuting of Christians in ever more dreadful language. Describing his sufferers as men and women who he arrested (Acts 8:3; 22:4 NIV), then he admits he threatened and murdered them (Acts 9:3 NIV), then he singled out the Way to death (Acts 22:4 NIV); then he verbalizes as those who believe (Acts 22:19 NIV) Saul (now Paul) speaks of how he furiously persecuted, like a wild animal, unto the death,
7 Fitzmyer, J.A. The Acts of the Apostles: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 31. New York: Doubleday.1998.pg 420.

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many of the saints, not only in Palestine but also to foreign cities (Acts 26:10-11 NIV). He comes to appreciate his fellow Christians the more with the realization of his own depravity in viewing a crescendo of shame within himself
Saul of Tarsus Post Conversion

Immediately, Paul is preaching in Damascus in boldness. His teachings were to convince and save those who were not believers. Bock states that, Saul continues to preach Jesus, growing stronger and confounding Jews by proving that Jesus is Christ.8(Bock 366) In the same zeal that Saul persecuted the Christain, he now defends. As alluded to earlier, the Lords use the preparatory Sauls education provides in opposition to those that taught him, and they have to answers. In the Scriptures, ACTS 17:2-3, And according to Pauls customs, he went to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures. Explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ. Paul was proving from the scriptures and Jesus was the true Savior prophesied in the Old Testament. "Paul has often been credited with making sure that the Christian faith became a universal faith. While there were many important names in the bible who helped to create the foundational universal nature of the Christian faith, Paul traveled the world to do it and the fact that he had been a rabbi gave his word a significant amount of creditability during the process. Another contributor to the great significance that Apostle Paul had when it came to the Christian faith was his writing ability. While many of the Lord's followers were able to produce speeches and talks that were guided by the Lord, Paul had an extremely talented writing ability. Paul is aware that his letters are persuasive documents. He consciously uses letters as substitutes for his own presence, making them an effective means of influencing people and events from a distance.9 (Harris 469)
8 Bock, Darrell L.ACTS. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007.pg 350. 9 Harris, Stephen L.. Understanding The Bible. 7th. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2007. Print.

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Paul pre-educational background is highly regarded trait and allows him an audience and to argue against the Jewish leadership to hold them off from their true intent; which was his death. During his incarnation, Paul was able to write down the inspirited word that the Lord had placed on his heart the effectively influencing the early church. Paul is charged with a monumental portion of the New Testament. Writings of St. Paul include ones that are disputed and ones that are generally accepted. The accepted ones are: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon. Those of disputed authorship are Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, 3 Corinthians, and Epistle to the Laodiceans. Paul's letters are the earliest surviving Christian literature.10(St. Paul, web) After Pauls conversion to follow the Lord, he decided through his motivations to travel the Roman world to spread the word of Christ. This is where the ability of the Lord to use his vessel, in concern with Pauls Roman citizenship, allowing Paul access to Roman roads as he begins his missionary efforts. Pauls first missionary journey began at Antioch. Wherever the golden eagle of Rome should soar, there he would go. Now had come the first clear view of his destiny, now was set before him the definite task for which long years had been preparing him, and now he was in truth the ambassador of the Christ to the nations. 11(Johnson 83) The first journey produced results, the Book of Acts continually points the fact the church grew. Paul testimony covered twenty years: through a host of cities had heard the gospel from Paul eloquent speech, and multitudes had heard it from his converts. His Jewish prejudices had broadened into a worldly sympathy and his doubts and fears had subsided in the consciousness _______________
10 Encyclopedia,The Catholic.St.Paul http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.htm. 11 Johnson, Hubert Rex. Who Then Is Paul?. Washington D.C.: Chevy

Chase Manuscripts, 1980. Print.

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of an approved and successful apostleship. His Jewish habit of meditation, the exigencies of a varied experience, together with an occasional revelation, had expanded and coordinated many of his theological concepts. He correctly thought he was the leader of the Christian movement.
12(Johnson

143). The word of the Lord spreads widely and grows in power.

Conclusion

As witness in Acts, Luke documents to life of the three phases of Saul in his road to redemption. He begins as the great persecutor and ends as the great communication that through the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ crusades throughout the known world preaching the Gospel that lead to the largest expansion of Christ. Paul abilities allows him to be used a vessel for a large section of Scriptures. Paul life ends in martyrdom in the hands of Nero, the ultimate death of self to faith in Jesus Christ. Bock comments that, The dramatic nature of Saul conversion indicates many of the historical factors and claims about Jesus lying at the root of the faith must have been present and at work.13(Bock367) So, prior, during, and afterwards Jesus was in control allowing the right time for His power to be revealed. Sauls conversion was miraculous, bold, and undeniable; Gods specific plan for each individual Christian is miraculous, bold, and undeniable. The Christian must seek the unique vehicles that the Lord seeks to communicate with and be ready to get up and go; when that plan is revealed to them.
12Johnson, Hubert Rex. Who Then Is Paul?. Washington D.C.: C.C. Manuscripts,
1980. Print. 13Bock, Darrell L.ACTS. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007.pg 350.

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Works Cited Barker, Kenneth, The NIV Study Bible, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995, 1779. Bock, Darrell L. ACTS.Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007.pg 350. Encyclopedia, The Catholic. St. Paul. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.htm. Fitzmyer, J.A. The Acts of the Apostles: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible 31. New York: Doubleday.1998.pg 420. Gaventa, R. From Darkness to Light: Aspects of Conversions in the New Testament. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress, 1986. pg 155 Harris, Stephen L.. Understanding The Bible. 7th. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2007. Print. Johnson, Hubert Rex. Who Then Is Paul?. Washington D.C.: C.C. Manuscripts, 1980. Print. Picirilli, Robert E. Paul the Apostle.25-20. Chicago: Moody Press, 1986 Towns, Elmer. A History of Religious Educators. 42-44. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1975.