Who Was Paul?

Above is a mosaic mural here in Kavala which commemorates the landing of the apostle Paul on these shores around AD50.

But who was Paul? To some extent that is a question whose answer will only begin to unfold as we trace Paul's two years in Greece over our nine-day journey. But as we pilgrims met for an opening time together this evening, we were reminded of four key aspects that made up who Paul was.

First, he was an Roman citizen. Rome was the dominant political power of the age and Paul was not only living in that culture; he was part of it. To be a Roman citizen was a significant thing, carrying with it a range of privileges which were not afforded to the ordinary inhabitant. Paul had not earned this citizenship; he was born with it, probably inherited from his father. And he was to use it more than once in his ministry.

Second, Paul was a Greek speaker. Despite Roman power, Greek was, to pardon the expression, the lingua franca of the age, and Paul was fluent in Greek writing and rhetoric. He was able to use language to make powerful and persuasive arguments. To read Paul is to read someone at the height of their rhetorical powers.

Third, Paul was a Jew by tribe and conviction. Paul came from a Hebrew family and had been circumcised on the eighth day. He had received an outstanding religious education. He was a Pharisee, that stream within Judaism which was particularly zealous for the Law and compliance with it.

Fourth, Paul was a follower of Jesus Christ. Paul had had his eyes opened on the Damascus Road and come to see that Jesus was none other than the crucified and risen Messiah of God. And it was this Jesus that Paul came to worship, serve and preach - both here on the shores of Greece and throughout some of the most significant cities of the ancient world.

Which aspect of Paul's life was most important? All four aspects are important, and to neglect any of the four is to risk misunderstanding significantly the great apostle. But for Paul what really counted above all was his relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord. Compared to that everything else was naught. His words about himself in Philippians 3:8 relates particularly to his Jewish identity but I think they apply to all those things mentioned above. Paul said 'I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord'.

Where that relationship took Paul will be our journey of exploration over the next nine days.