Paul saul of tarsus biography sampler

It must be admitted that Paul was one of the unlikeliest individuals ever to become a Christian missionary.  He was born a Jew with Roman citizenship, and was a Pharisee both by birth and theological choice.  Paul was trained by Gamaliel, one of the greatest Jewish master teachers, and he obeyed the Law of Moses meticulously.  Those he considered opposing or blaspheming strict Judaism, Paul vehemently despised.  Christians fell within this category and Paul hounded them from city to city, executing some and imprisoning others.  When courageous Stephen was being stoned to death, Paul stood by, apparently in a supervisory role.

Then on a trek to Damascus in raging search of Christians, Paul saw a blinding light and heard a voice say, “Saul, why are you persecuting me?  I am Jesus whom you persecute.”  (originally Paul went by the name of Saul but changed his name following his conversion).

The light blinded Pau