Paul's nationality and education - JSS3 Christian Religious Studies Past Questions and Answers - page 1

Paul was born at Tarsus in Cilicia about the year 2 B.C. He confirms himself in Acts 22:3

Paul has dual citizenship – Jewish and Roman. 

he was sent to be trained by the great Rabbi ans scholar, Gamaliel the learned and distinguished grandson of Hillel.

Paul studied the law and its rabbinical interpretations as well as much of the Greek culture which he found to be handy and most profitable in his missionary activities in life. Paul was so much indoctrinated in the Jewish religion that it became his life and its very essence. He took his religious training diligently to the extent that his formative years were dominated by his strong religious passion and convinctions of Judaism. Paul’s zealousness for his religious convictions stood him far above his equals, and this made him a Pharisee at a remarkable early age and subsequently he became admitted to the hallowed chambers of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish religious and legislative arm of government.

1. Jewish Name: Saul:

Explanation: Paul was born a Jew and was originally named Saul. This was his Hebrew or Jewish name. Saul was a common Jewish name, and it was also the name of the first king of Israel.

Biblical Reference: Saul is referred to by this name in the early parts of the Book of Acts, especially when he was known for persecuting Christians (Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1-3).

2. Roman Name: Paul:

Explanation: Paul was also a Roman citizen, and his Roman name was Paul. It was common for Jews who were Roman citizens to have both a Hebrew name and a Roman name. The name Paul (Paulus) was more familiar and acceptable in the Roman and Greek worlds, where he conducted much of his missionary work.

Biblical Reference: The name Paul is used from Acts 13:9 onwards, especially after his conversion and during his missionary journeys. "But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him..." (Acts 13:9).