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Paul the ApostleJewish "Apostle to the Gentiles"
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles
- Mission and Travels
- Arrest and Execution
- Age at Conversion
- Classification of Ages
- Late Antiquity and Roman Law
- Personal Perspectives
Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles
Early LifePaul, known as the "Apostle to the Gentiles," was not among the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. As a devout Pharisee, he initially persecuted Christians. However, on a journey to Damascus, Paul experienced a blinding revelation of the resurrected Christ. His companions led him to Damascus, where he was healed by Ananias and baptized.
Mission and Travels
During his time in Damascus, Paul began to preach in the synagogues about Jesus as the Son of God. Around this time, he adopted the name Paul (from the Latin "Paulus," meaning "little").
Paul went on to establish numerous Christian communities throughout Asia Minor and the Balkans. His travels were extensive, including three major missionary journeys and a final trip to Rome.
Arrest and Execution
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and transported to Rome, where he was sentenced to death by beheading. The exact year of his birth is uncertain, but evidence suggests he was a mature man at the time of his conversion.
Age at Conversion
The text mentions Paul as a "young man" (νεανίσκος) when he witnessed the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7:58. However, the meaning of "young man" in ancient times varied considerably.
Classification of Ages
Various ancient classifications of ages existed, including those proposed by Pythagoras, Galen, Hippocrates, Philon of Alexandria, and rabbinical tradition. These classifications differed in their definitions and boundaries of various age groups.
Late Antiquity and Roman Law
The jurist Ulpian Marcellus, writing in the 2nd century AD, noted that the definition of "iuvenis" (young man) depended on the context and could not be precisely defined.
Personal Perspectives
The perception of age is subjective and influenced by social and personal factors. As people age, their own definition of youth tends to shift closer to their current age.
