Christians. I'm looking for info on Paul the Apostle?

Question

I have done some searches but i cant find exactly what I am looking for. Is there any one that has an idea or research on Paul's age at the time of Stephen's stoning, or Paul's age at the time of his conversion on the road to Damascus?

I believe that I once heard Charles Swyndoll teach that paul was approximately 45 when he began his public ministry for Christ. But I am thinking Paul was at least 30 to 35 at the time of his conversion. It's possible he was born up to 01 years prior to Jesus Birth.

So any thoughts or ideas would help. And for those of you that would ridicule or besmirch the name of Paul for what ever reason, please refrain from participating on this one. I and my fellow belivers would appreciate it.

al 4 now b

I should also say, that if you are a non-believer or a person in opposition to the teachings of Paul the Appostle, but you have some biographical date you want to share in the spirit of education. please feel free. But I ask that you refrain from attacking his personal life, or his teachings, as I am not one that holds with the idea that paul hated women, or was a homosexual, or that he did not actually teach what Christ taught, because to those of us that do believe the Holy Bible we tend to discount those theories as just that "unsubstantiated theories".

I am sure you can appreciate my opinion, and my right to believe the truth as I see it, I just need a little more data to satisfy my curiossity.

Thanks B

All of your answers were helpful, I was pleased with the info I have found so far.

I will not be choosing a best answer as all of you are the best in my book and in the Lords book as well.

God Bless
al 4 now B

Answer 1

I'm just waiting to see all the Atheists to go crazy. Sorry I can't help you out with Paul. Most of my knowledge is very basic, even though that was my confirmation saint. Good luck.

http://www.pbs.org/empires/peterandpaul/history/timeline/

Answer 2

There was a time that I read everything on him that I could find. The History and Discover Channels have done several stories on him that are good. I've concluded that Paul was in his late 20's to early 30's when he had the vision on the road to Damascus. Not for sure where I came up with that. But, the time line is possible. If he was 22 to 25 when Jesus was crucified and he had his conversion 3 to 4 years after that, it would fit. Although I'm not a fan of Paul's, I respect your opinion. There are many historical accounts of his ministries. You might start researching some of those. Swyndoll may be right about his age when he started his ministry. I do know that he went through a self education process by interviewing people who knew Jesus and the remaining Disciple's. I also seem to remember that he was close to one of the author's of one of the gospels, but can't remember which, I belief Matthew.

Good luck on your search. Keep me posted on what you find. Who know's, maybe you can cause me to change my opinion of Paul.

Answer 3

Sorry Bob, I've checked all my resources and came up with nothing concrete after the age of 10 or so for Paul. You referred to Charles "Chuck" Swyndoll. I have actually had the privilege of hearing the guy speak on two occasions while he was at the Dallas Theological Seminary in the 1970's as I recall. As well as a series on Paul, he has a series on David which is absolutely the most thorough I've ever heard! It may be possible to still get copies of his tapes (he had a radio program for years) from the seminary referred to above. I will continue to check this and if I come up with something I'll post a question for you since I haven't yet figured out how to set up email for YA responses.

Answer 4

There's a pretty good article here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_the_Apostle

I know Wikipedia isn't always factual, but if taken with a grain of salt it can really help.

If Paul was born in 10 A.D., then most likely he was about twenty-five or so at the time of his conversion. It's said that he converted around 35 A.D. or so.

Answer 5

Bob I just asked this question on blueletterbible.com they are pretty good at getting this kind of info.You should check it out yourself.I think you would enjoy it.Once there go to the FAQs section and asked what ever you want.Its so simple even a caveman can do it.

I sent you an email of what I received from the blueletterbible hope it helps you.God Bless!

Answer 6

*watch the atheists go crazy*
I'm an atheist and I even did a search to see what info was available. anyone interested in learning does not bother me at all. plus the poster was extremely polite, well spoken, and looks intelligent. :) (if someone can look intelligent from an avatar) Atheists like these things!
Good luck with your search-I did not find anything that seemed new or particularly unique that you would not have found.

Answer 7

I am afraid that you may only come up with approximate ages. It sounds like an interesting study though. Maybe the writings of the early Church Fathers? Good luck to you.

Answer 8

I think Paul was in his 30s when he converted, I don't know if there is a source where you can find an exact age for him. Have you looked into Jewish Historical writings in that time frame?

Answer 9

this is something i've just started looking into... paul had about 12-14 years between his conversion and his first missionary trip (from what i understand) and that may have been what Charles was talking about... i think he only had 3 years after his conversion before he began preaching... beyond that i don't know that i've seen anything that would indicate his age... if you learn anything more please let me know..

Answer 10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_of_Tarsus

This link says he was born AD 10 and died AD 67. Don't know if accurate though.

Check also:

http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/paul.html