The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1933-09-28
1. sauI's Birth (Acts 21 1907.

1C-Training Christian Leaders.
!. SauI's Birth (Acts q 1907.
He was born at Tarsus, the capital
of Cilicia. Tarsus was q gateway be-
tween the east and west, therefore a
great commercial center. Il was q
,self-governiug city. making citizenship
therein honorable. It was also one OF
the great educational centers Of the
Roman empire. In the providence Of
God the great apostle to the Gentiles
was born in the city where he would
encounter men Of every class and ma
tion.
u. SauI's Education (Acts 22:3).
!. In the home (PhiL $3.50. His
parents were pious people and doubt
less carefully cultured him according
to Jewish standards. He was brought
up as a strict Pharisee.
2 In college at Jerusalem (Acts
22:3). About the age of thirteen. as
was the custom, he became child of
the law. It was doubtless at this age
that he went to Jerusalem and entered
upon his course Of study under Ga
maliel, one of the most eminent teach
ers Of Israel. His course of study
here, doubtless, was largely restricted
to the Holy Scriptures. In this school
he was prepared for the great work
Of Christian theologian. Included in
his education was:
a. Patriotism. He proudly affirmed
II am a jew" He was brought up to
love his nation. He was nationalist
of the true type.
b. A love for the Bible. To him the
Scriptures were the very Word Of God,
the final word of authority.
c. Zeal for God. The word zeal
Gus" literally means Ito boil"
d. He was conscientious. His Su-
preme aim was to have conscience
void Of offense. Because of the blight
of sin conscience needs to be disci-
plined by the Word Of God.
8. A trade at Tarsus. Perhaps aft
er his college course at Jerusalem he
returned to Tarsus and learned tent
making. Thus in later life he was
able to support himself while preach
ing the gospel. One rabbi said HE
that teacheth not his son trade doeth
the same as If he had taught him to
steal"
III. sauTs Citizenship (Acts % :27,
:2S).
In the providence of God, the apostle
to the Gentiles was free-born Roman
citizen. He was loyal to his country,
while at the same time strictly religi-
GUS. Right relationship to God sancti-
ies loyalty to ones country.
Nv. sauI's Defense Before Aurippa
,lActs 2e:1-27).
He expressed his delight that he now
could speak and tell his case to one
who could follow his line Of argument.
but doubtless, he was more delighted
in that he could witness to him Of the
Saviour.
1. His manner Of life wv. 4-12).
He had been in accord with the most
rigid sect Of the Jews. Therefore, he
possessed the common Jewish hope Of
coming Deliverer.
2. His supernatural conversion wv.
1915. 1t was through the personal
appearance of Jesus Christ to him on
the way to Damascus.
8. Commissioned by Jesus Christ
and sent to the Gentiles wv. 1919.
4. His conservation wv. 1929.
Upon receipt of his commission he in
stantly obeyed.
5. His appeal to Agrippa wv. %
27). He was anxious to have Agrippa
act on the knowledge that he had.
v. SauI's Ground of Confidence
tPhil. 3:4-6).
He had everything true Jew glor-
fed in.
, 1. Circumcised the eighth day ". 81.
2. OF the stock of Israel ". 81.
8. Of the tribe of Benjamin ". 81.
Benjamin had always remained loyal
to the national customs.
4. A Hebrew of the Hebrews ". 81.
He was of Hebrew parentage, not a
proselyte.
5. Touching the law, Pharisee (v.5).
The Pharisees were sect among the
Jews most jealous for the rights and
ceremonies of Judaism.
6. Concerning zeal. prosecuting the
church ". g.. He proved his zeal by
the positive effort to stamp out that
which was threatening Judaism.
Z. Touching the righteousness which
Is in the law, blameless ". g.