Paul’s Early Life – Basic 6 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Paul’s early life events

Original Name: Saul of Tarsus (later changed to Paul)

Key Events:

1. Birth and Childhood

• Born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey)
• Born a Roman citizen (very important privilege)
• Born into a Jewish family
• Grew up learning both Jewish and Greek cultures

2. Teenage Years

• Sent to Jerusalem for education
• Studied under Gamaliel (a famous teacher)
• Learned to be a Pharisee (strict Jewish religious group)
• Became very knowledgeable in Jewish law

3. Young Adulthood

• Became a zealous Pharisee
• Was very religious and strict
• Loved the Jewish law deeply
• Was passionate about his faith

Paul’s parentage

His Parents:

• Father: A Pharisee (Philippians 3:5)
• Family: Tribe of Benjamin (one of the 12 tribes of Israel)
• Heritage: Pure Hebrew/Jewish background
• Citizenship: Roman citizens (gave Paul special rights)
• Trade: Tentmakers (Paul learned this family business)

What This Meant:

• He had the best of both worlds – Jewish and Roman
• He could travel freely as a Roman citizen
• He understood Jewish customs perfectly
• He spoke multiple languages (Hebrew, Greek, Latin)

Paul’s education

Early Education:

• Learned Hebrew and studied the Torah (first 5 books of Bible)
• Memorized large portions of Scripture
• Learned Greek language and culture
• Learned tentmaking trade

Advanced Education:

• Teacher: Gamaliel (most respected teacher in Jerusalem)
• Location: Jerusalem (the religious center)
• Subject: Jewish law and traditions
• Achievement: Became expert in the Law
• Result: Became a Pharisee (Acts 23:6)

Skills He Gained:

• Deep knowledge of Old Testament
• Excellent debating skills
• Strong reasoning abilities
• Leadership qualities
• Public speaking

Paul’s anti-Christian activities

Why He Persecuted Christians:

• Believed Christians were blasphemers (insulting God)
• Thought they were destroying Judaism
• Believed Jesus couldn’t be the Messiah
• Wanted to protect Jewish traditions
• Was zealous (overly passionate) for the Law

What He Did Against Christians:

1. Approved Stephen’s Death (Acts 7:54-8:1)

• Stephen was the first Christian martyr (killed for faith)
• Paul (then Saul) watched and approved
• He held the coats of those who stoned Stephen
• He was “consenting to his death”

2. Persecuted the Church (Acts 8:3)

• Went from house to house
• Dragged out men and women believers
• Put them in prison
• Made them suffer

3. Made Havoc of the Church

• “Breathing out threats and murder” (Acts 9:1)
• Was determined to destroy Christianity
• Was feared by all Christians
• Caused Christians to scatter from Jerusalem

4. Sought to Expand Persecution (Acts 9:1-2)

• Got letters from high priest
• Planned to go to Damascus
• Wanted to arrest Christians there too
• Planned to bring them bound to Jerusalem

His Character Before Conversion:

• Violent and aggressive
• Self-righteous (thought he was right)
• Religious but wrong
• Sincere but sincerely wrong
• Zealous but misguided

Philippians 3:5-6 – Paul later described himself as:

• “Circumcised the eighth day”
• “Of the stock of Israel”
• “Of the tribe of Benjamin”
• “A Hebrew of the Hebrews”
• “Concerning the law, a Pharisee”
• “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church”

Homework: Write about Paul’s early education and why he persecuted Christians.