A very ominous first line of chapter 8 gives us introduction a character that will dominate the rest of the New Testament. Saul. Saul, a native of Tarsus and a Jewish Roman citizen, trained by Gamaliel and passionate for God to a fault (he will admit as much later). Saul is a huge character. Let me take just a few moments to clarify a couple things. There is a biopic coming out this year and these things always make me a little afraid, as details get added or misunderstood. I’m looking forward to seeing it, and don’t know if any of these “problems” will come up, but I’ll deal with them here just in case.

Saul’s name didn’t change.  Many teach that “Saul” became “Paul.” That seems logical, but it is mistaken. The reason Paul is used more later is the audience that Paul is writing to. Paulus is his family name (like Stukenberg is mine). It would give street cred (as the kids say) for Paul to the Gentiles he is writing to. It shows his standing (a Roman citizen) and allows him access to things other Jews would not have (or want for that matter). So, in Jewish circles, Saul would be his used name. In Gentile circles, Paul would carry him.

Saul/Paul was well-trained as a Pharisee. Gamaliel showed up in Acts 5 (v34ff) and was well-regarded by other Pharisees in the day. Saul claims to have been taught by him, so he was taught by the best of the best! This means Paul had a good understanding of the Bible (perhaps even had most of what we call the Old Testament memorized) and could hold his own in many religious circles (which will bode well in a number of ways). The early church relied on his teaching, knowledge and helpful understanding of the Bible and how it informed the church – especially in a Gentile setting!

Saul was a murderer. He didn’t feel this way, of course. He felt he was serving God and therefore snuffing out a false religion. However, he was wrong and changes sides in Acts. The statement, “And Saul approved of his execution” (Acts 8:1a) shows us where he is at in his heart and status as a worshipper of Yahweh. 8:3 shows us that he does not stop there and carries this all the way through the church as much as he can. He was a bad dude.

Saul was likely a widower. He makes some unique statements in his letters that seem to suggest he was married at one time. These will be highlighted by me when we get to them. It is curious though and leaves you wondering what happened. Does she leave him when he follows Jesus? Did she die before? We have no idea (or even that he was for sure). However, Saul/Paul being free of the marriage covenant leads him to some ridiculous places as a follower of Jesus and a new leader of the fledgling church. He would not have been able to travel so extensively (in that day) if married. He traveled over 25,000 miles in his life – which was unheard of! He then feels he can say “be as I am” in 1 Corinthians concerning marriage, as he was single.

Saul is a huge character. His first interaction with the church is to help start the persecution (8:1-3) that ultimately pushes the church out of Jerusalem and into Judea and Samaria (check 1:8 for why this is significant!).

This happens quickly by following an apostle named Philip. Philip was a farmer and was challenged by Jesus to find food to feed 5000. Philip goes to Samaria and challenges a guy named Simon to give up his ways to follow Jesus. Then he shares the message to the Ethiopian eunuch and the Ethiopian church still claims that this event, sparked with the interaction between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba led to their birth and the first Christian nation!