Renewing Your Mind: Episode Summary - "Paul’s Life"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Renewing Your Mind
- Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
- Description: Renewing Your Mind is the daily podcast of Ligonier Ministries, launched by R.C. Sproul to help Christians deepen their understanding of God's character through the renewal of their minds according to His Word. Each episode delves into Scripture, offering timeless truths for application in everyday life.
- Episode: Paul’s Life
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
Nathan W. Bingham opens the episode by addressing a common confusion surrounding the Apostle Paul's dual names: Saul of Tarsus and Paul. This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Paul's identity, both before and after his conversion to Christianity.
Nathan W. Bingham [00:00]: "Have you ever been confused by the New Testament's use of the names the Apostle Paul and Saul of Tarsus? So which is it?"
Guest Speaker: Professor Guy Waters
Nathan introduces the guest lecturer, Professor Guy Waters, a New Testament scholar from Reformed Theological Seminary. Waters is presenting a one-day feature from his 12-message series titled The Life and Theology of Paul. He emphasizes Paul's monumental influence on Christianity, equating his impact with other pivotal figures like Augustine, Luther, and John Wesley.
Guy Waters [01:35]: "Paul has monumental significance and influence in the history of the Church. We take only three men... Augustine, Luther and John Wesley... we owe so much to the Apostle Paul."
The Dual Identity of Saul and Paul
Professor Waters clarifies the misconception that Saul was Paul's name before his conversion and that he adopted the name Paul afterward. Instead, the New Testament indicates that Saul and Paul were both names used concurrently, with "Saul" being his Jewish name and "Paul" his Roman name. The transition to using "Paul" marks his mission focus on Gentile regions.
Guy Waters [06:00]: "Saul was his Jewish name, and the name Paul was also his name, but it's a Roman name... When Paul begins to use the name Paul, it is the moment when he begins actively to preach the Gospel in Gentile lands."
Paul's Early Life and Heritage
Waters delves into Paul's background, highlighting his Jewish upbringing in Tarsus of Cilicia, his circumcision on the eighth day as per Mosaic Law, and his proud identification with the tribe of Benjamin. Paul's strong adherence to his heritage is evident in his self-description in Philippians.
Guy Waters [08:45]: "I was circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews."
Physical Appearance and Sufferings
Addressing Paul's physical stature, Waters references both the New Testament and apocryphal descriptions, portraying Paul as a man marked by numerous persecutions and physical hardships endured for his faith.
Guy Waters [10:30]: "Anyone who saw the apostle Paul would have seen a man whose body bore the marks of intense suffering for Jesus Christ."
Family and Personal Life
Paul's family background is explored, noting his Roman citizenship through his father, his relationships with siblings, particularly a nephew in Jerusalem, and the absence of mention of a wife, suggesting he may have remained a bachelor dedicated to his mission.
Guy Waters [12:15]: "Paul never mentions a wife. Maybe that he was a lifelong bachelor, maybe that he was widowed, we don't know."
Education and Multilingual Abilities
Waters outlines Paul's extensive education under Gamaliel in Jerusalem, his proficiency in multiple languages (including Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, and likely Latin), and his familiarity with both Jewish Scriptures and Greco-Roman philosophies. This multifaceted education equipped Paul to effectively communicate the Gospel across diverse cultures.
Guy Waters [16:00]: "Paul was a broad-minded man. His training ran beyond training in the Scripture."
Occupation: Tentmaker
Contrary to Greek norms that often dismissed manual labor, Paul embraced tentmaking—a trade he learned from his father. This occupation not only provided him financial independence but also aided him in presenting the Gospel without the stigma of financial exploitation associated with other itinerant teachers.
Guy Waters [19:45]: "Paul worked with his hands. As a Christian apostle, this helped him in many ways."
Persecution Before Conversion
A significant portion of Paul's life was dedicated to persecuting Christians. Waters emphasizes that Paul's zealous efforts to destroy the early Church were driven by a vehement opposition to the belief in Jesus as the Messiah, culminating in his dramatic conversion experience on the Damascus road.
Guy Waters [22:10]: "It was too much for Paul that Jesus of Nazareth should be believed and worshiped as God's Messiah."
God's Sovereign Grace in Paul's Life
Waters concludes by reflecting on how God's providence meticulously prepared Paul from birth for his pivotal role in spreading the Gospel. Every aspect of Paul's life—his heritage, education, and experiences—intertwined to shape him into the Apostle who would profoundly influence Christian theology.
Guy Waters [23:00]: "God in his providence was preparing Paul from the womb to be the man that we know from the Scripture."
Conclusion by Nathan W. Bingham
Nathan wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of understanding Paul's life beyond his theological contributions. He encourages listeners to engage with the full 12-message series available through donations, which include comprehensive resources such as DVDs, hardcover books, and digital access.
Nathan W. Bingham [23:30]: "Wasn't it fascinating to gain an insight into the man before his conversion... I do encourage you to take the time to listen to all 12 messages in this series."
Key Takeaways
- Dual Identity of Paul and Saul: Both names were used concurrently, reflecting his Jewish roots and Roman citizenship.
- Paul's Heritage: A proud Benjaminite Jew, circumcised and deeply committed to his cultural and religious upbringing.
- Physical and Personal Hardships: Endured severe persecutions, leaving visible marks of his commitment to Christ.
- Multilingual and Educated: Proficient in multiple languages and versed in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought.
- Occupation as Tentmaker: Enabled financial independence and authentic ministry without relying on church support.
- Transformation Through Grace: From a fierce persecutor to a pivotal Apostle, Paul's life underscores God's sovereign role in shaping His servants.
Notable Quotes
- Guy Waters [01:35]: "Imagine if we took these 13 letters out of the Scripture. How impoverished our understanding of these great truths would be."
- Guy Waters [10:30]: "Anyone who saw the apostle Paul would have seen a man whose body bore the marks of intense suffering for Jesus Christ."
- Guy Waters [22:10]: "It was too much for Paul that Jesus of Nazareth should be believed and worshiped as God's Messiah."
- Nathan W. Bingham [23:30]: "Thank you for your regular support as it truly makes a difference."
Additional Resources
- 12-Message Series on the Life and Theology of Paul: Available through donations at renewingyourmind.org or by calling 800-443-54343.
- Companion Hardcover Book: "The Life and Theology of Paul" included with the donation package.
- Upcoming Children's Curriculum: Growing in God's Word—pre-order and more information at growingingodsword.org.
This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers an in-depth look into the Apostle Paul's life before his conversion, highlighting the intricate blend of his heritage, education, personal experiences, and God's divine orchestration that prepared him for his monumental role in the early Church. Whether you're a long-time follower of Paul's teachings or new to his story, Professor Guy Waters provides a rich and engaging exploration that deepens our understanding of this pivotal biblical figure.