Examine the history of what led op to Paul’s conversion and the events surrounding his calling.

Lawrence Hall
5 September 2020
Research Topic
The “Calling” of Saul of Tarsus
Research Questions
When I think of the Apostle Paul, what comes to mind?
What framework should be used to understand Paul’s conversion?
Primary Source
The Book of Acts, Chapter 9, Saul’s Conversion. Bible Gateway NIV 2015.
Preliminary (Tertiary) Research

Research Problem
The question that is addressed is: When I think of the Apostle Paul, what comes to mind?
Paul was so zealous for his Jewish beliefs that he began a persecution campaign against anyone who believed in Christ. Saul’s thought processes were to seize the Christians who had spread to Damascus, and prevent the spread of Christianity to other major cities, to keep the Christians from causing any trouble with Rome. Saul wanted to advance his career and build his reputation as a true Pharisee, zealous for the law.
We read in Acts, (9:1-2), “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked them for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”
The question of; What framework should be used to understand Paul’s conversion?
The framework of Paul’s conversion is eschatology. As soon as Paul received his sight and spending time with the believers in Damascus, Paul went to the synagogue to tell the Jews about Jesus Christ. Saul’s arguments were powerful because he was a brilliant scholar. What was more convincing was his changed life.
Purpose of the Research
The purpose of the research is to organize information on The “Calling” of Saul of Tarsus.
The purpose of the research is to get a better understanding of the Apostle Paul as related to his conversion from persecutor to believer. Examine the history of what led op to Paul’s conversion and the events surrounding his calling.
Research Approach
The sources that will be use is the primary source the Holy Bible and a variety of other scholarly sources such as books and scholarly commentaries from books on the subjects closely related to the life of Paul and his ministry. Research resources that will focus on differing views of Paul’s teachings and letters. Most importantly utilize the Scripture as an important guide.

Annotated Bibliography