Acts 7:58-60 (NKJV ) (58) and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. (59) And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (60) Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

[The stoning of St. Stephen by Gabriel-Jules Thomas (1824– 1905), Lunette of the main gate of the church Saint- Etienne du Mont ("St. Stephen in the Mountain"), in Paris.]

Who was this man named Saul? A man of small stature, with a bald head and crooked legs, in a good state of body, with eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked, full of friendliness, for now he appeared like a man, not he had the face of an angel..” The Acts of Paul and Thecla—second century apocryphal writing.

Who was this man named Saul? Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 2 Corinthians 11:22

Who was this man named Saul? Romans 11:1 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Gal 1:13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. Gal 1:14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Who was this man named Saul? (4) though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: (4) though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: (5)circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; (6) concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Philippians 3:4-6

Born in Tarsus But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people." (40) So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I implore you, permit me to speak to the people." (40) So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying, Acts 21:39-40

Trained in Jerusalem as a Pharisee (1) "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now." (2) And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: (3) "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. (1) "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now." (2) And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: (3) "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. Acts 22:1-3

Trained in Jerusalem as a Pharisee Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!" 23:7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. Acts 23:6-9

Trained in Jerusalem as a Pharisee Acts 23:8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 23:9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and protested, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God." Acts 23:6-9

Trained in Jerusalem as a Pharisee For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12

Trained in Jerusalem as a Pharisee Philippians 3:4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 3:6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 3:7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Why Did Saul Persecute Christians? Deueronomy 13:1 "If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 13:2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods'—which you have not known—'and let us serve them,' 13:3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Why Did Saul Persecute Christians? Deu 13:4 You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. 13:5 But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst.

33 A.D. – Travelled to Damascus (1) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest (2) and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (3) As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. (1) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest (2) and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (3) As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Acts 9:1-6

33 A.D. – Travelled to Damascus (4) Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (5) And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (4) Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (5) And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.“ (6) So he, trembling and astonished, said, (6) So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Acts 9:1-6

Preached in Damascus Act 9:10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." Act 9:11 So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. Act 9:12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight." Acts 9:10-15

Preached in Damascus Acts 9:13 Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. Act 9:14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Acts 9:10-15

Preached in Damascus (20) Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (21) Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" (22) But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. (20) Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (21) Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" (22) But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Acts 9:20-25

Preached in Damascus (23) Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. (24) But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. (25) Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. (23) Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. (24) But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. (25) Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. Acts 9:20-25

33 A.D. spring – 36 A.D. spring in Arabia (15) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, (16) to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, (17) nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (18) Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. (15) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, (16) to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, (17) nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (18) Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. Galatians 1:15-18

36 A.D. Returns to Damascus

36 A.D. Travels to Jerusalem for 15 days Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. Galatians 1:18

36 A.D. Travels to Jerusalem for 15 days (26) And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28) So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. (29) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (30) When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. (26) And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28) So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. (29) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (30) When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. Acts 9:26-30

36 A.D. – 40 A.D. Lived in Tarsus Brethren scattered because of Paul's persecution (before his conversion) preach the Word of God to Jews as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. Brethren scattered because of Paul's persecution (before his conversion) preach the Word of God to Jews as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. Acts 11:19

Summer 40 A.D. - Summer 41 A.D. Some believers from Cyrene and Cyprus go to Syrian Antioch and begin talking to Grecians (non-Jews) about Jesus Christ. Their efforts are blessed and many become converted. Some believers from Cyrene and Cyprus go to Syrian Antioch and begin talking to Grecians (non-Jews) about Jesus Christ. Their efforts are blessed and many become converted. - Word of the gospel's success reaches Jerusalem. - Word of the gospel's success reaches Jerusalem. The church sends Barnabas to aid in ministering to the new converts. When he arrives in Antioch he encourages the brethren to continue to grow as believers. The church sends Barnabas to aid in ministering to the new converts. When he arrives in Antioch he encourages the brethren to continue to grow as believers. Acts 11:20-21 Acts 11:22-24

Summer 41 A.D. Barnabas goes to Tarsus to get Paul's help with the new Antioch believers. They ultimately stay in the city for a year. It is in Antioch that believers in Jesus as the Messiah are called Christians. Barnabas goes to Tarsus to get Paul's help with the new Antioch believers. They ultimately stay in the city for a year. It is in Antioch that believers in Jesus as the Messiah are called Christians. Acts 11:25-26

Spring 42 A.D. The prophet Agabus travels from Jerusalem to Antioch, where he predicts a famine will soon occur that will last 3 years. The prophet Agabus travels from Jerusalem to Antioch, where he predicts a famine will soon occur that will last 3 years. In response to the prophecy the disciples plant and prepare food and relief to send to the believers in Jerusalem In response to the prophecy the disciples plant and prepare food and relief to send to the believers in Jerusalem Acts 11:27-28 Acts 11:29

Spring 44 A.D. Food and relief are sent to Jerusalem by the hands of apostle Paul and Barnabas. Food and relief are sent to Jerusalem by the hands of apostle Paul and Barnabas. After delivering relief they, along with John Mark, return to Antioch. After delivering relief they, along with John Mark, return to Antioch. Acts 11:30 Acts 12:25

Lessons Paul Learned But whatever things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Php 3:8 But no, rather, I also count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them to be dung, so that I may win Christ. Phil 3:7-8

Lessons Paul Learned and be found in Him; not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith, Php 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death; Php 3:11 if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead.

Lessons Paul Learned Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I also was taken hold of by Christ Jesus... Phil 3:12