From Law to Grace: The Conversion That Changed Christianity

The Conversion of St. Paul: A Remarkable Transformation

Today, we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul. Before becoming one of Christianity’s most influential figures, Paul was known as Saul. He was born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, to Jewish parents who were slaves to Roman citizens. However, due to Roman law, children born to enslaved parents serving Roman citizens were granted Roman citizenship at birth. This granted Saul the unique privilege of being both a Jew by heritage and a Roman citizen by status.

To ensure that Saul remained rooted in his Jewish identity, his parents sent him to Jerusalem to study Jewish law. There, he became a student of Rabbi Gamaliel, a highly respected teacher of the law. During his time in Jerusalem, Saul was immersed in the prevailing belief that the coming of the Messiah would free Israel from Roman rule. Different groups held various approaches to hasten this liberation—some took up arms against Roman oppression, while others, like Saul’s group under Gamaliel, believed strict adherence to the law would hasten the Messiah’s arrival.

Saul Believed By Following the Law, It Would Hasten the Arrival of …

As a passionate and zealous student of Jewish law, Saul strictly followed every commandment and surpassed his peers in devotion. However, during this time, he began hearing about a young rabbi named Jesus, whose teachings and actions defied the traditional laws. Jesus and his followers disregarded rituals, such as washing hands before meals, and did not strictly observe every legal requirement. To Saul, this was unacceptable, and he became determined to defend the law at all costs.

Saul’s journey from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ is what makes his conversion so extraordinary. His transformation not only changed his life but also shaped the future of Christianity.

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From Law to Grace: The Conversion That Changed Christianity

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The Conversion Of Saint Paul: French Painter: Nicolas Bernard Lépicié: late 1700s

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Gospel Reading: Mark: 16: 15-18

First Reading: Acts: 22: 3 – 16