Articles
The Life of Paul the Apostle
Probably more than any other New Testament character, Paul’s life can be held up as a
true reflection of what we find in Galatians 2:20. Saul of Tarsus was born in approximately AD
5 in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia (in modern-day Turkey). He was born to Jewish parents who
possessed Roman citizenship, a coveted privilege that their son would also possess. In about AD
10, Saul’s family moved to Jerusalem. Sometime between AD 15-20 Saul began his studies of
the Hebrew Scriptures in the city of Jerusalem under Rabbi Gamaliel. Paul became a Pharisee
and even claimed to be blameless under the law (Philippians 3:4-6). From a Jewish and worldly
perspective, he had a pretty good life. Yet Paul gave all this up to follow Jesus.
The life Paul led was a true example of what it means to sacrifice yourself for the Lord.
Paul tells us of the hardships that he faced as a Christian. “Are they servants of Christ? —I speak
as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without
number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three
times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a
day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers
from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city,
dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in
labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in
cold and exposure” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Paul truly was willing to put aside his own
desires, comforts, needs, and even his own safety to preach and serve the Lord. He was willing to
put his own life aside and live for God. ~ Brad Tolbert
