Saint Paul The Apostle - Training as a Pharisee

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Saint Paul
Saint Paul’s background as a Pharisee had a profound influence on his perspective and teachings after his conversion to Christianity. Here are some ways in which his Pharisaic background shaped his approach:

Rigorous Study of the Law

As a Pharisee, Paul was well-versed in Jewish law and scripture. This deep understanding allowed him to engage with Jewish audiences effectively, using their own scriptures to explain the fulfillment of the law in Christ.1

Understanding of Grace

Paul’s strict adherence to the law before his conversion made him acutely aware of the limitations of the law in achieving righteousness. This experience likely contributed to his emphasis on grace as the means of salvation rather than the works of the law.2

Zeal for God

Pharisees were known for their zeal in following the law and their devotion to God. Paul’s zeal, once directed against Christians, was transformed into a passionate commitment to spreading the gospel.3

Perspective on the Gentiles

The Pharisees generally maintained a separation from Gentiles, adhering strictly to Jewish customs. Paul’s background may have given him a unique perspective on the barriers that existed between Jews and Gentiles, leading him to emphasize the unity of all believers in Christ.1

Authority and Credibility

Paul’s training and status as a Pharisee provided him with authority and credibility, especially when addressing Jewish members of the early Church or debating with other Jewish leaders.1

Personal Transformation

Paul’s dramatic shift from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ served as a powerful example of personal transformation, illustrating the life-changing power of faith in Jesus.3

Paul’s Pharisaic background provided him with the theological foundation, credibility, and zeal that he channeled into his mission to spread the Christian faith. His intimate knowledge of Jewish law and tradition allowed him to bridge the gap between the Old and New Covenants, making the teachings of Jesus accessible to both Jewish and Gentile audiences.

Here are some examples:

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Paul often cited Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus was the promised Messiah. For instance, in Romans 1:2-3, he refers to the “holy scriptures” that foretold the coming of Jesus as the descendant of David.1

Allegorical Interpretations

In Galatians 4:22-31, Paul uses the story of Abraham’s two sons, one born from a slave woman and the other from a free woman, as an allegory. He compares the two covenants, with the free woman representing the New Covenant of freedom through Christ.1

Wisdom and Church Life

Paul applied the wisdom found in the Old Testament to the life of the church. He used it to guide the behavior of believers and to provide instructions on how to live in accordance with God’s will, without being bound by the Old Covenant.2

Law and Sin

Paul discussed the role of the law in highlighting sin, using Old Testament law to explain that the law itself is not sinful, but it reveals sin in us (Romans 7:7). He also used the law to show that righteousness comes through faith, not by the law (Romans 3:21-22).2

Justification and Righteousness

He frequently cited the example of Abraham’s faith being credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6) to illustrate that righteousness is granted to those who believe, as seen in Romans 4:3 and Galatians 3:6.2

Jews and Gentiles as One Family

Paul used the Old Testament to support the idea that Jews and Gentiles are one family in Christ. He referred to Old Testament figures and prophecies to argue that God’s plan always included the Gentiles (Romans 9:25-26.2

These examples show how Paul skillfully integrated Old Testament scriptures into his teachings to affirm the continuity of God’s plan and to reveal the transformative power of the Gospel.


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