The Young Saul
The Young Saul The name Saul means that which is desired or asked for in prayer. Perhaps he was the first-born of Pharisee parents who then consecrated
their longed for son to the service of God. Thus, at the age of thirteen, they sent him to Jerusalem to study the Law and the Torah, the Pentateuch.
The early Church father, Origin, says that from his infancy he was given two names: Saul in the language of his countrymen, and, Paul as a suitable Greco Roman name. Paul says of himself that even from his mother's womb, he had been set apart to serve God and to proclaim Jesus Christ. "…He who set me apart before I was born and called me through His grace was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles." (Gal 1:15-16) and he then says, "even as He chose us before the foundation of the world." (Eph 1:4) In the Second Letter to the Corinthians (6:1-10) Paul elevates us to the status of "helpers of God" and emphasizes that salvation is now with us, indeed, is within our reach, so the opportunity must not be lost. He stresses the importance of our being good examples for others because when we scandalize the weaker brethren God will reproach us and it that case woe to us! Above all, we must be patient, and, willing to endure all things, even the persecution…why? Because we possess all that is needed .. we have God.
Issam John Darwish BSO, DD
Eparch