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After Paul’s conversion, how was his background used to carry out his life mission?
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Paul’s knowledge of the Old Testament and his training by Jesus set him up to teach Gentiles. His Roman citizenship helped him out of some tight spots and his status was also beneficial in opening up doors for the Holy Spirit to work and move.
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One of the ways that Paul’s background was used to carry out his life mission is his ability to communicate well because of his good education. Because of his heritage as a Hellenistic Jew he was able to understand and explain well the Jewish belief system and helped him reason well with those he is teaching and correcting. Paul’s background served as a preparation and equipping for his life mission.
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Paul’s time as Saul was used to prepare him for the ministry. He had many advantages afforded to him. He was a Roman citizen, a devout Jew (Pharisee), and extremely well educated (including being multi-lingual). So, after Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road, he was well equipped for his life’s mission. He went after the lost just as hard as he had previously gone after Christians.
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Paul’s was Jewish and was a very smart child and therefore he was sent to study under one of the most respected teachers of that time where he learned Hebrew scriptures. He was also a Roman citizen which provided him with certain opportunities as well as protection when he was travelling. He also studied and learned directly under Jesus. All of these steps in his life provided him with tools to carry out his life mission.
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He was able to relate across cultural barriers to minister.