CHARACTER STUDY OF PAUL (SAUL OF TARSUS) – APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 9:1-22
"But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.’" – Acts 9:15
Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:4-8, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, Galatians 2:20
INTRODUCTION
Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a devout Pharisee and a fierce persecutor of Christians. However, after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, his life took a radical turn, and he became one of the most influential apostles in Christian history. He is credited with writing 13 epistles in the New Testament, spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire, and establishing several churches. His life is a testament to the power of God's grace, the necessity of obedience, and the endurance required in Christian service.
1. PAUL’S EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND
a) He was a Jew from Tarsus (Acts 22:3)
Paul was born in Tarsus, a prominent city in Cilicia, known for its Greek culture and advanced education. Despite growing up in a Gentile environment, he remained deeply committed to Jewish traditions. His background helped him connect with both Jews and Gentiles in his ministry.
b) He was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:28)
Unlike most Jews, Paul was privileged to have Roman citizenship, which gave him legal rights and protections under Roman law. This status later helped him during his missionary journeys, allowing him to appeal to Caesar and escape unjust punishments.
c) He was educated under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3)
Paul studied under Gamaliel, one of the most respected Jewish teachers of his time. This rigorous training in the Jewish law made Paul a passionate defender of Judaism and later helped him explain the gospel effectively, using the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was the Messiah.
d) He was a strict Pharisee (Philippians 3:5-6)
Paul was not only a Pharisee but a zealous one, adhering strictly to the Jewish laws and customs. His commitment to the Law was so intense that he saw Christianity as a threat to Judaism and took it upon himself to destroy it.
e) Biblical Example: Moses’ early life in Pharaoh’s palace (Exodus 2:1-10)
Like Paul, Moses was trained in the highest level of education in his time before God called him to deliver Israel. Paul’s intellectual preparation, though initially used against the church, later became a tool in God’s hands.
2. PAUL’S PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
a) He was a fierce opponent of Christianity (Acts 8:3)
Paul was not just indifferent to Christianity; he was actively seeking to destroy it. He went from house to house, dragging Christians out and imprisoning them. His goal was to completely eliminate the followers of Jesus.
b) He consented to the death of Stephen (Acts 7:58-60)
Paul played a significant role in the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He guarded the clothes of those who stoned Stephen, approving of the execution. This event likely planted the first seeds of doubt in his heart, leading to his later conversion.
c) He sought to destroy the church (Galatians 1:13)
Paul was not content with persecuting Christians in Jerusalem alone; he obtained letters from the high priest to arrest believers in Damascus. His hatred for Christianity was so strong that he travelled long distances to ensure its destruction.
d) He was zealous but ignorant (Romans 10:2-3)
Paul’s passion for God was undeniable, but it was misguided. He believed he was serving God by persecuting Christians, but he lacked the true knowledge of God’s plan for salvation through Christ.
e) Biblical Example: The religious leaders who crucified Jesus (Matthew 27:1-2)
Like Paul, the Jewish leaders who condemned Jesus believed they were defending their faith. However, their zeal was without the true knowledge of God’s purpose.
3. PAUL’S DRAMATIC CONVERSION
a) Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6)
As Paul travelled to Damascus to arrest Christians, a bright light from heaven suddenly shone around him, and he heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" This divine encounter changed the course of his life forever.
b) He was humbled and blinded for three days (Acts 9:8-9)
The once-proud and powerful persecutor was now weak and blind, needing others to lead him by hand. This physical blindness symbolised his spiritual blindness, which was about to be healed by God.
c) Ananias was sent to restore his sight (Acts 9:10-17)
God instructed Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to pray for Paul and restore his sight. Initially reluctant, Ananias obeyed and laid hands on Paul, who received his sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit.
d) He was baptised and immediately preached Christ (Acts 9:18-20)
Without delay, Paul got baptised and started preaching that Jesus was the Son of God, shocking those who knew his past as a persecutor. His transformation was undeniable.
e) Biblical Example: The transformation of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
Like Paul, Zacchaeus had a radical change after encountering Jesus. Both men went from living in opposition to God’s will to fully surrendering to Him.
4. PAUL’S MINISTRY TO THE GENTILES
a) God called him to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15)
Though Paul was a Jew, his main assignment was to take the gospel to the Gentiles. This was a major shift, as Jews traditionally viewed Gentiles as outsiders to God's covenant.
b) He faced opposition from Jews and Romans (Acts 13:45-46)
Many Jewish leaders saw Paul as a traitor and opposed his teachings, while Roman authorities saw him as a troublemaker. Yet, he remained steadfast.
c) He performed miracles and planted churches (Acts 14:8-10)
Through the power of God, Paul healed the sick, cast out demons, and started numerous churches across Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome.
d) He wrote 13 epistles in the New Testament (Romans to Philemon)
His letters provide deep doctrinal truths and guidance for Christian living, forming the foundation of much of Christian theology.
e) Biblical Example: Jonah’s mission to Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10)
Just as Jonah was sent to a foreign people, Paul was sent beyond Israel to the Gentiles, fulfilling God’s global mission.
STRENGTHS OF PAUL
a) He was deeply committed to his calling (Romans 1:16)
Paul never compromised on the gospel.
b) He was fearless in preaching (Acts 21:13)
He boldly preached despite threats to his life.
c) He had a strong prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Paul constantly sought God’s guidance.
d) He was an excellent teacher and writer (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
His epistles are foundational to Christian doctrine.
e) He was a mentor to many (2 Timothy 2:2)
Paul trained Timothy, Titus, and others for ministry.
WEAKNESSES OF PAUL
a) He was overly zealous before conversion (Galatians 1:14)
His passion led him to persecute Christians.
b) He had conflicts with others (Acts 15:36-39)
He had a sharp disagreement with Barnabas over John Mark.
c) He struggled with a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
Paul endured a personal challenge that kept him dependent on God.
d) He was sometimes physically weak (Galatians 4:13-14)
He suffered from illnesses.
e) He initially doubted John Mark’s usefulness (2 Timothy 4:11)
He later recognised Mark’s value in ministry.
LESSONS TO LEARN FROM PAUL
a) God can transform anyone for His purpose (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
No one is beyond God’s grace.
b) Commitment to Christ requires sacrifice (Philippians 3:7-8)
Paul gave up everything for Jesus.
c) We must persevere in trials (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Paul remained faithful despite hardships.
d) The gospel must be shared boldly (Romans 10:14-15)
Paul travelled extensively to preach Christ.
e) True faith is lived out daily (Galatians 2:20)
Paul’s life was fully surrendered to Christ.
CONCLUSION
Paul's life is an example of God’s power to transform and use anyone for His glory. From a persecutor of Christians to a champion of the gospel, Paul’s story teaches us about God’s grace, perseverance, and the call to evangelism.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, transform my life and use me for Your glory.
2. Father, give me the boldness to preach the gospel.
3. Lord, help me remain faithful in trials.
4. Father, let me finish my race well.
5. Lord, give me wisdom and strength for ministry.
