Before becoming Paul the Apostle, he was known as Saul of Tarsus, a devout Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians. He was born in Tarsus, a major city of learning in Cilicia (Acts 22:3), and was educated under Gamaliel, one of the most respected Jewish teachers of his time (Acts 5:34, Acts 22:3). He was of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5) and considered himself blameless according to the law (Philippians 3:6). Saul was not just a casual opponent of Christianity—he was one of its most determined adversaries, believing he was serving God by stamping out this new movement.
Acts 8:3 records,
“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.”
Saul witnessed and approved of the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1), showing just how deeply he opposed the message of Christ. He sincerely believed that Jesus was a fraud and that Christians were a threat to Judaism.
The Road to Damascus: A Divine Interruption
Saul’s life changed forever when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had received authorization from the high priest to go to Damascus and arrest followers of “the Way” (Acts 9:1-2). But on his journey, a sudden light from heaven shone around him, and he fell to the ground.
Acts 9:4-5 says,
“Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 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.’”
This moment was a direct confrontation by Jesus Himself. Saul, who had spent his life studying the Scriptures, was now face to face with the One those Scriptures pointed to. Jesus did not say, “Why are you persecuting my followers?” He said, “Why are you persecuting Me?” revealing the deep union between Christ and His Church.
Saul was struck blind and led into Damascus, where he spent three days without sight, food, or drink (Acts 9:9). This period of blindness was a powerful symbol—Saul had been spiritually blind, and now, in his physical blindness, he had time to reflect and truly see the truth.
How Long Was Paul with Jesus?
Many assume that Paul’s training happened instantly, but he did not immediately begin his ministry. After his conversion, he spent three years in Arabia before returning to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17-18). While in Arabia, he was taught by Jesus Himself, just as the other apostles had been (Galatians 1:11-12). This time of divine discipleship was crucial because Paul had to unlearn his old ways of interpreting Scripture and re-learn everything through the lens of Christ.
Like the twelve disciples who walked with Jesus for three years, Paul had his own three-year period of training. He later wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:8-9:
“Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”
This confirms that Paul did not receive his apostleship from men, but from Jesus directly.
How Did Paul Become an Apostle?
Paul’s apostleship was unique because he was not one of the original twelve. Yet, he was directly commissioned by Jesus. In Acts 9:15, the Lord told Ananias:
“Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”
This divine calling was later affirmed when Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit in Acts 13:2. Paul himself declared his apostolic authority in Galatians 1:1:
“Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead).”
Unlike the twelve who primarily ministered to the Jews, Paul’s mission was primarily to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). He established churches across Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome, writing nearly half of the New Testament.
The Radical Change in Paul’s Life
Paul went from persecuting Christians to being persecuted for Christ. The very faith he once tried to destroy became his entire life’s mission. He endured beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, hunger, and ultimately martyrdom (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
One of the greatest signs of his transformation was how he reinterpreted the Scriptures he had memorized since childhood. As a Pharisee, he had known the Law inside and out. But now, through Christ, he saw the true meaning. The Old Testament was no longer just about Israel—it was about Jesus.
Paul realized that Genesis 15:6 (Abraham’s faith being counted as righteousness) was pointing to justification by faith in Christ (Romans 4:1-5).
He saw how Isaiah 53, which speaks of the Suffering Servant, was a prophecy about Jesus (Acts 8:32-35).
The sacrificial system in Leviticus was fulfilled in Jesus’ death (Hebrews 10:1-10).
Paul was completely transformed by the gospel he once hated. He wrote in Galatians 2:20,
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
This is the power of Jesus: to take a murderer of Christians and turn him into the greatest missionary the world has ever known.
My Final Thoughts
Paul’s conversion is one of the most powerful testimonies of God’s grace. It reminds us that no one is too far gone to be redeemed. Paul’s life shows us that God doesn’t just save us—He transforms us. Saul had the knowledge of the Scriptures, but until he encountered Jesus, he was spiritually blind. How many today are like that—religious, yet missing the truth?
Paul’s account also teaches us that salvation is by grace alone. He did not earn his apostleship; Jesus called him. In the same way, we are not saved by our good works but by God’s mercy. If Jesus could change Saul, He can change anyone. No past is too sinful, no heart too hardened, no soul too lost for Christ to redeem. The question is, have you encountered Him? Have you truly seen Him for who He is? Because once you do, you will never be the same.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
