Paul was born in Tarsus, c. 5 A.D., which, today, is in south-central Turkey, approximately 12 miles from the Mediterranean coast. Tarsus

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Paul's Life-Long Journey

by Michael D. Bruno

Student Number 49567

BIBL424- ACTS

Dr. Rick Rasberry

Jacksonville DLP July 5-10, 2005

Paul was born in Tarsus, c. 5 A.D., which, today, is in south-central Turkey, approximately 12 miles from the Mediterranean coast. Tarsus was a prosperous city in the province of Cilicia and a part of the great Roman Empire. The city of Tarsus had fertile soil for agriculture and a prominent position at the south end of the Cilician Gates. It maintained an excellent shipping harbor of Rhegma, which enabled strong connections with the Levant. Tarsus was also fortunate to maintain an established university that was known for its teaching in Greek philosophy.

Paul was a Roman by birth and a Jew by lineage. In addition, Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews and in regards to the law, a Pharisee. "Jerome, the 4th century theologian and historian, informs us that tradition has it that Paul's family had emigrated to Tarsus from Galilee around the time the Romans conquered Palestine in 63 B.C.. Sometime later, as his family gets established in the Hellenistic city, they