St Peter’s Anglican Church

The Conversion of St Paul - January 25

Although there is evidence of the Conversion of St Paul being observed in some places as early as the sixth century, the feast was not strictly observed until the twelfth century.

St Paul began his life as Saul, the son of a free-born Jewish father who was also a Roman citizen. His city of origin was Tarsus of Cilicia, but he grew up in Jerusalem and was educated under the famous rabbi Gamaliel. His early years saw him thoroughly trained in the Law of Judaism according to the strictest sect of the Jews, the Pharisees. In this adherence to the tradition of the Pharisees, he displayed outstanding zeal. He knew God’s promise,:

“I will come and dwell in your midst. . . . Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst” (Zechariah 2:11).

What that required of Israel was total commitment to the Law and the covenant with God faithfully honoured in purity and holiness. This led Saul to the conviction that he should do everything possible to persecute the followers of Jesus as deviants from the call of Israel. Read more...