Paul of Tarsus
Contribution to the development and expression of Christianity

Paul of Tarsus (originally Saul of Tarsus) is widely considered to be central to the early development and adoption of Christianity. Many Christians view him as an important interpreter of the teachings of Jesus. Little is known of the birth and early childhood of Paul, then known as Saul. It is known in the scriptures that he was born in the city of Tarsus (Acts 22:3) located in the Roman province of Cilicia around the year 5 A.D. Saul left his home during his early adolescence and was taken to Jerusalem for his formal education in the most prominent rabbinical schools of that day. Young Saul had the privilege to be trained by Gamaliel, the most outstanding …show more content…

In Paul’s view, anyone can experience the Godhead acting not from motives of “payback” but acceptance. Like children, believers become “joint heirs” with Christ as members of the household of God. Writing to the Galatians, Paul clearly states his case this way in Galatians 2:16, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Paul stressed the redemption offered by Christ, which is available through the gift of faith. In Romans 3:21-28 Paul states, “But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight…when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way…It is based on our faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.” The “faith” Paul spoke of in his letters is more than just intellectual belief. It goes far beyond that and implies a commitment to trust God and let His will rule over Christians lives.

Paul has a significant impact on Christianity because of the content of his writings. He played a large part in expanding Christianity beyond the confines of its origin as a