Paul of Tarsus, originally known as Saul, was probably the second most influental individual in the establishment of Christianity, behind only Jesus himself. He was not always a strong believer in the teachings of Jesus though. The story of Pauls conversion began on the road to Demascus, when he was still going by the name Saul. At this point Paul was actually on a mission to arrest any Christians that he could find and take them back to Jerusalem. According to Acts 9 it was on the road to Demascus when a light from heaven flashed around Paul and he fell to the ground. He then heard a voice which said "Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked
"I am Jesus whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up an go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Paul was then lead into Demascus by the men that were traveling with him because he could not see. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. It was then when, according to the Acts 9, God sent a disciple named Ananias to speak to Paul. When he arrived at the house where Paul was staying Ananias placed his hands on Paul and said, "Brother Saul, theLord--Jesus, who appered to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see agin and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Paul, who was imediately able to see again, was baptised and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Then, according to Acts, Paul spent the next few days preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
Paul went on to author many writings that would play a major part in the establishment of the Christian religion, including many books of the Bible. This includes Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon. He also established many of the beliefs that still carry Christianity today, such as the importance of celibacy and the theory of divine grace and salvation. Paul also played a key role in making Christianity a universal religion because he not only preached his beliefs to Jews and fellow Christians, but also Gentiles. He continued this preaching until his death in either 64 or 67 CE. Paul probably believed that what he was teaching was important, but I wonder if he could of even fathomed that his teaching would help lead to what is now considered one of the largest, if not the largest, religion(s) in the world?
Men's Devotional Bible- New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corporation, 1993. Print.
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/christians/p/PaulTarsus.htm
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked
"I am Jesus whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up an go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Paul was then lead into Demascus by the men that were traveling with him because he could not see. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. It was then when, according to the Acts 9, God sent a disciple named Ananias to speak to Paul. When he arrived at the house where Paul was staying Ananias placed his hands on Paul and said, "Brother Saul, theLord--Jesus, who appered to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see agin and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Paul, who was imediately able to see again, was baptised and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Then, according to Acts, Paul spent the next few days preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
Paul went on to author many writings that would play a major part in the establishment of the Christian religion, including many books of the Bible. This includes Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon. He also established many of the beliefs that still carry Christianity today, such as the importance of celibacy and the theory of divine grace and salvation. Paul also played a key role in making Christianity a universal religion because he not only preached his beliefs to Jews and fellow Christians, but also Gentiles. He continued this preaching until his death in either 64 or 67 CE. Paul probably believed that what he was teaching was important, but I wonder if he could of even fathomed that his teaching would help lead to what is now considered one of the largest, if not the largest, religion(s) in the world?
Men's Devotional Bible- New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corporation, 1993. Print.
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/christians/p/PaulTarsus.htm
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