Tarsus: The Birth Of St. Paul The Apostle

St Paul who was originally called Saul was the most important figure in the development of christianity. It is believed he was born around 10 C.E in Tarsus (Turkey).

The City of Tarsus was a major manufacturing and educational center in the ancient world that laid on a commercial route in southeastern region of Asia Minor, and it is likely that Tarsus, as well as Paul, felt the cultural influences of Stoic philosophy, however, it is difficult to assess what influence Greek thought may have had on a young Paul (Elwell, 1997). Regardless, Paul, in all likelihood studied Stoic philosophy and benefited greatly from an education as a youth in Tarsus because of his Roman citizenship. Aside from Paul’s birth, it is not entirely clear how Paul acquired his Roman citizenship, thus it is suggested that Paul’s father or his descendants became Roman citizens through military or public service while becoming Hellenized in the process (McCray, 2003). Accordingly, Paul was given both a Hebrew name (Shaul or Saul) and a Roman Cognomen name (Paulus or Paul) which Saul would use after his conversion to Christianity (McCray, 2003). Regardless of the lack clarity surrounding Paul’s citizenship and upbringing in Tarsus, it is abundantly clear in Paul’s epistles that he obtained a Greek education as he could relate to the Gentiles with relative ease (Elwell,

Analyse the contribution that Paul of Tarsus had on the development and expression of Christianity.

Christianity over the course of history has a vast influence on individuals, society and the way believers conduct themselves. It provides morals, practices and ethics that every Christian attempts to live by. Throughout the many denominations in the Christian church, Paul of Tarsus had a significant influence on the faith. His contribution to the development and expression of Christianity is immense and can be seen to stem from his writing and missionary journeys which have implemented his ideas and interpretations onto the development of Christianity. After Jesus, Paul was arguably the most significant figure in Christianity as his teachings form a significant part of the New Testament. Like may other Pharisees of that time in history, Paul sought to suppress the early Christian movement. He accused early Christians of blaspheming against God and breaking Mosaic Law. However, Paul had a life-changing experience when he had a vision of Jesus, and he spent the remainder of his life as a missionary for the early church. Centuries after his ministry, his teachings still influence Christian theology.

1. Paul’s “impaired vision” is ironic because he can see what others cannot even though he is legally blind. First of all, Paul can see how Erik is a very dangerous kid. Paul sees Erik as a dangerous kid because Erik is always making fun of his friends. Erik is dangerous because he has anger problems and has been terrorizing Paul his whole life. When Erik is around adults however, he acts like a normal child. The side that his parents try to see in him. Furthermore, Paul can see the osprey. Most people besides Paul who live in Lake Windsor Downs see the Osprey as just birds. But, Paul sees them as the reason that all the koi fish in the lake are disappearing. Others think that the fish are being stolen. Paul sees it in a different way the everyone else. Finally, Paul can also see his father like know one else. Everyone around Paul sees Mr. Fisher as a hardworking man who supports his family. Paul sees his dad as a man who only cares about his older son, Erik and his football dream. Paul’s dad is so concerned about Erik that he doesn’t even know what position he plays in soccer.

During this time the city is believed to be very important because it was a large trade center and this was on the Mediterranean coast. Their city was a wealthy city and mostly because of its trades. The people of the city Tarsus believed in education and health. They were also known for making their city very stunning in appearance. When you are reading Pauls letters you can tell that he came from a place of well-built ethics because of his writings

Harris calls Paul “the most influential apostle and missionary of the mid-first-century CE church and author of seven to nine New Testament letters” (H G-33). It would be quite an accolade to receive such recognition, but what makes it even more remarkable is that Paul, or Saul, (Saul was his Judean name and Paul was his Roman name (footnotes B 1943)) originally persecuted the ekklesia or “church”. Paul went from persecuting the ekklesia or “church” to being its “most influential apostle and missionary”. Why and how did Paul make such a drastic change? The answer to the question can be found in various books of the New Testament including some of the letters that Paul wrote. This answer also aids in the explanation of how and why Paul

Christianity has a vast influence on individuals, society and the way christians go about their everyday life. By providing ethics, morals and practices, christian are guided everyday through their lives. The impact and effect of Paul of Tarsus is represented through his contribution towards theology and sacred texts which has led him to being referred to as the founder of Christianity, and the most significant figure in Christianity after Jesus Christ.

The Catholic church throughout history has pushed to the boundaries of society. Not just stopping at spreading the gospel around the world, but also educating, helping the less fortunate, and being a blessing to everyone. One person who helped inspire all of this was St. Paul.

It seems strange that so little is known biographically about one of the most important figures in Christian history, but this only serves to add to the mystery and grandeur surrounding the Apostle Paul of Tarsus. Much, however, is known of the time after his conversion to Christ and what he did to contribute to Christianity in this period, and it is this that leaves a greater legacy than the simple facts of his life. The contributions that he made towards the cause of Christ and the spreading and formation of Christianity are what he is perennially remembered for.

St Paul of Tarsus is a significant figure in Christianity due to his major contributions of writings and letters which form a significant amount of the New Testament. St Paul is considered to be the forefather of Christianity after Jesus. Paul had a major impact on these spread of Christianity through his mission journeys, contributing to the religious traditions and helping expand Jesus’ original teachings. The reason behind Paul being a significant person in Christianity is because he contributed to the development of Christianity.

Historically there have been many demonstrations of Christian pilgrimages that have worked to shape the understanding of this experience among Christians today. The journeys of St Paul of Tarsus act as a key example of how Christian pilgrimage found expression in the past. St Paul of Tarsus was effectively “reborn” due to a number of pilgrimages that he went on, through his journeys he expanded the church far and wide, and passionately proclaiming the gospel was for all people. St Paul’s letters established how the followers of Jesus would live the Christian life through spiritual journey or pilgrimage bringing them closer to God and thus knowing him more fully. St Paul struggled in the early days of the Church, this inspires followers to overcome their own struggles.

warned him to leave the city. Paul escaped to Caesarea, on to Cilicia-Syria, then to his hometown of Tarsus.

Choosing a confirmation saint is important to the Catholic faith. I didn’t want the prettiest saint or the one closest to my age. I looked for someone who spoke to me through their words. Someone who helped me through my toughest times. Which is why I chose Saint Paul the Apostle.

Because I like plays, the emotional power of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio theatrical approach to sacred narrative is most appealing. This is seen in his rendering of The Conversion of St. Paul (Fig. 23-12). Schooled in northern Italian Renaissance traditions on line and compositions Caravaggio with emphasis on the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting called “chiaroscuro,” as well as in Venetian color and without borders, beyond the focus plane called “sfumato”. Caravaggio's theme influence in terms are tenebrous and naturalism. His Conversion of St. Paul is appealing because it is a religious "street theater," painting. The value form of the paintings generally have a large area of darkness, and many of the figures in the