Topical Encyclopedia Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, is a pivotal figure in the New Testament. His time in Jerusalem is significant for understanding his early life, conversion, and subsequent ministry. Saul was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but he was brought to Jerusalem to be educated under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law (Acts 22:3). This education grounded Saul in the Jewish traditions and the Hebrew Scriptures, which later influenced his theological writings.Persecution of the Church Before his conversion, Saul was a zealous Pharisee who ardently persecuted the early Christian church. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and approved of his execution (Acts 7:58, 8:1). Saul's zeal for the Jewish law led him to ravage the church, entering homes and dragging off men and women to prison (Acts 8:3). His actions were driven by a fervent desire to protect the Jewish faith from what he perceived as a heretical sect. Conversion on the Road to Damascus Saul's life took a dramatic turn on the road to Damascus. Armed with letters from the high priest to arrest Christians, Saul encountered the risen Christ in a blinding light. Jesus asked him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). This divine encounter led to Saul's conversion, marking the beginning of his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ. Return to Jerusalem After his conversion, Saul spent time in Damascus and Arabia before returning to Jerusalem. Initially, the disciples in Jerusalem were wary of him, fearing his reputation as a persecutor. However, Barnabas vouched for Saul, recounting his encounter with Christ and his bold preaching in Damascus (Acts 9:26-27). Saul's time in Jerusalem was marked by his bold proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, which stirred opposition from the Hellenistic Jews, leading to threats against his life (Acts 9:29). Departure from Jerusalem Due to the threats against him, the brothers in Jerusalem sent Saul to Tarsus for his safety (Acts 9:30). This period allowed Saul to further develop his understanding of the Gospel and prepare for his future missionary journeys. His departure from Jerusalem marked the beginning of a new phase in his ministry, as he would later become the apostle to the Gentiles, spreading the message of Christ throughout the Roman Empire. Significance Saul's time in Jerusalem is crucial for understanding his background, his initial opposition to the Christian faith, and his subsequent transformation into one of its most ardent advocates. His experiences in Jerusalem laid the foundation for his theological insights and his role in the early church. Saul's journey from a persecutor to an apostle underscores the transformative power of the Gospel and God's ability to use even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes. Subtopics Saul: Also Called Shaul: King of Edom Saul: Hears Doeg Against Ahimelech Saul: King of Israel is Defeated, and is Killed With some of his Sons Saul: King of Israel is Reproved by Samuel for Usurping the Priestly Functions Saul: King of Israel: A Benjamite, Son of Kish Saul: King of Israel: David is Again Betrayed To, by the Ziphites Saul: King of Israel: Dedicates the Spoils of War Saul: King of Israel: Defeats the Philistines Saul: King of Israel: Defeats the Philistines After Goliath is Killed by David Saul: King of Israel: His Death is a Judgment on Account of his Sins Saul: King of Israel: His Jealousy of David Saul: King of Israel: His Kingdom Invaded by Philistines Saul: King of Israel: His Life Spared by David Saul: King of Israel: His Personal Appearance Saul: King of Israel: Kills the Gibeonites; Crime Avenged by the Death of Seven of his Sons Saul: King of Israel: Lives at Gibeah of Saul Saul: King of Israel: Made King of Israel Saul: King of Israel: Pursues David to En-Gedi Saul: King of Israel: Samuel Rebukes Him for Disobedience by not Exterminating the Amalekites Saul: King of Israel: Saul's Contrition for his Bad Faith Saul: King of Israel: Strikes the Amalekites Saul: King of Israel: Their Bodies Exposed in Beth-Shan Saul: King of Israel: Tries to Kill David Saul: Sends Messengers to Jesse, Asking That David be Sent to Him As a Musician and an Armor-Bearer Related Terms |