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His name means "small or little" but to most Christians he is neither. To most of us who
have been touched by God's grace, he is indeed one of the greatest saints to ever live. He is believed
to have written more than half of the New Testament, writing fourteen of the twenty-seven books.
He certainly had a great deal to say about salvation by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he
loved and served.
Almost all that we know about him is to be found in the Book of Acts and the Pauline
Epistles of the Bible. This we know, he was widely traveled in the service of God and a courageous
preacher of the word of God. Not only was he instrumental in the establishment of many churches
but kept them always upon his heart through the years of his life that followed.
1. Paul was a freeborn citizen of Rome. Acts 22:25&28.
2. He was a Pharisee by birth and by belief, holding to the doctrine of the resurrection. Acts 23:5-6
and Philippians 3:4-6.
3. Paul received a high degree of formal education, having been taught by Gamaliel. Acts 22:3.
4. He held a position of considerable influence which enabled him to persecute the early church.
Acts 9:1-2.
5. By a miraculous manifestation, Paul was converted on the road to Damascus. He soon began
preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Acts 9:3-18.
6. During the early years of Paul's ministry, he was evidentially involved in the occupation of tent
making. Acts 18:3.
7. Because of his boldness to preach the unpopular doctrines of Christ, he was often persecuted by
the authorities of his day. Acts 20:24, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.
8. There were miracles associated with Paul, through the power of God working in his life and
labors. Acts 28:1-5&8.
9. Being saved by grace, he found great joy in preaching the message of grace to others. Romans
5:20-21, Ephesians 2:8-9.
10. In spite of the burden of the ministry and the affliction he suffered, he had a strong and abiding
hope in the resurrection . 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.
11. Paul also looked forward to and encouraged others to await the sure and certain return of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
12. One thing remained constant in the life of Paul, he trusted in Jesus Christ completely. He faced
each day and eternity with a confidence in his Lord. 2 Timothy 1:12.
13. Paul had a visionary experience in which he was caught up to heaven and heard words none of
us have ever heard. What a special blessing! 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.
14. Paul saw no reason for compromise and and no place to abandon the work to which he had been
divinely called. He remained faithful to the end and encourages us all to do the same. 1 Corinthians
15:57-58.
Much more could be written of him. When all that is known of him has been explored, we
shall remain relatively ignorant of his greatness. Yet the Lord who loved him and saved him, knows
him as intimately as He does all of us. Therefore, let us follow Paul's noble life and give glory to
the Father and His Son - Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
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