The Life and Ministry of the Apostle PaulMy early life is an interesting jumble, and it sheds light on the cosmopolitan world that was the Empire Roman. I was born in an Asian town on what is now the southern coast of Turkey called Tarsus, around AD 10. My parents were Jewish, probably strict Pharisees. They were also Roman citizens. It is important to note that although Judea was part of the Roman Empire, most Jews were not Roman citizens. Citizenship outside Italy was an honor reserved for those who had made a great contribution to the Empire. Thus, we can assume that my mother and father were influential and perhaps even moderately wealthy people. At the age of fourteen, I was sent to Jerusalem to train as a rabbi. My teacher was an eminent man named Gamaliel. Rabbis, at the time, also learned another trade. The idea was to prevent teachers from becoming a burden on society. They also wanted to have something to fall back on in difficult times. Over the years I have trained to become a tent maker. Over time, I became a man of firm convictions and a fiery temperament. I have always acted on my convictions. So when I was confronted with what I considered to be heresy in Judaism, I worked with all my might to quell it. This heresy would one day be known as Christianity, and at that time I, then called Saul of Tarsus, was among the chief persecutors. I held a man's cloak at the stoning of Stephen, and although I did not participate, I encouraged the violent act that destroyed the first of the martyrs. Then I participated in general persecution, including: “going from house to house, he dragged the believers, men and women, and threw them into prison. It's shameful middle of paper...... also infuses close followers of my words today. My personality was quite charismatic. They say that I was a reliable leader of men. I have rarely been plagued by doubts. I saw my mission as not only bringing the “Good News” to the Gentiles, but also organizing the Church to grow, even when I was not present to promote it. So, I created an organization and trained leaders. This organization will one day become modern Christianity by replacing the original authority of the Church of Jerusalem. Today, Christians see Christ somewhat through the prism of Paul's teaching. My dear disciple, Luke, would write one of the Gospels as well as the Book of Acts. My life was profoundly shaped by a dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Demas and it was this drama, coupled with his fervor, that would shape Christianity for the next two millennia..