Sep 19, 2021
Paul grew up in a strict Jewish home in Tarsus. He spoke multiple languages, had a genius-level IQ, was educated by the famous rabbi Gamaliel, and had a passion to serve God through Judaism (Phil. 3:4-6). Paul described himself as a former blasphemer of Christ (Gr. blasphēmos, ‘to speak evil about’), a persecutor, and being insolent (Gr. hubristēs, ‘prideful arrogance leading to evil action’). Believing Jesus as a failed Messiah, he persecuted Christians by arresting and approving of their murder until he was miraculously transformed by the risen Jesus (Acts 8:1-3; 22:3-8; Gal. 1:13). There is no past God can’t redeem for good (2 Cor. 5:17)!