My Name is Paul
Chapter 1: A Pharisee of Pharisees My name is Saulos. I was born in Tarsus, a thriving city in Cilicia, where merchants, scholars, and travellers from every corner of the empire crossed paths. It was a place where Greek ideas, Roman power, and Jewish traditions all mixed together. Growing up there shaped the way I saw the world. I learned early that influence often mattered more than strength. I was fortunate. As a Roman citizen with connections to Herod's family, I enjoyed privileges that many of my fellow Jews could only dream of. Roman citizenship opened doors, offered protection, and commanded respect. Yet despite those advantages, my heart belonged to the traditions of my ancestors. I was determined to become more than just another educated Jew. I wanted to be remembered. From a young age, I immersed myself in the Scriptures. My family recognised my passion for learning and sent me to Jerusalem to study under Gamaliel, one of the most respected rabbis of the time. Sitting ...