What Was The Significance Of Paul In Acts 9: 1-22

Paul was born as Saul in Tarsus in Cilicia around A.D. 1–5 in a province in the southeastern corner of modern day Tersous, Turkey. Paul was of Benjamite lineage and Hebrew ancestry. His parents were Pharisees sincere Jewish nationalists who adhered strictly to the Law of Moses and sought to protect their children from contamination from the Gentiles. All things Greek was despised in Saul’s household, but he could speak Greek and Latin. At the early age of thirteen Saul was sent to Israel to learn from a rabbi named Gamaliel, and mastered Jewish history, the Psalms and the works of the prophets. His education would continue for five or six years as Saul learned to dissect scriptures. Saul went on to become a lawyer, and all signs pointed to his becoming a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. Saul faith did not allow him to compromise and his zeal that led him down the path of religious extremism.

Before departing on this journey, Paul had asked the high priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for permission to bring any Christians back to Jerusalem to imprison them. While traveling Saul was caught up in a bright light from heaven which caused him to fall face down on the ground. He hears the words, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He says, “Who are you Lord?” Jesus answers directly and clearly, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, (Acts