“No mean city.” Thus did the apostle Paul speak of his native place, Tarsus; the modern town that has taken its place is represented above. Tarsus was a city once famous for its learning, and also for its commerce, and was of importance in the days of the apostle. “Saul of Tarsus” is the most remarkable name that is known amongst the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was none like him in hatred to Jesus until the Lord revealed Himself to him from heaven, and none like him in zeal for the Lord from that day. “Saul,” who also is called, “Paul,” is a pattern of Christian energy, and his life is one long lesson of absolute devotion to the Lord and the things the Lord loves.
Seek to gain an insight into his “manner of life” as well as his “gospel.” Mark his energy (Col. 1:28, 29), and his humility (1 Cor. 15:9). See in him the untiring racer (Phil. 3:12, 14), the tenderest nurse (1 Thess. 2:7, 8), and the wise father (1 Thess. 2:11). Behold in him the preacher of the greatest of divine mysteries (Eph. 3:3), the succourer of the poor (Gal. 2:10), and the servant of all (1 Cor. 9:19). Great men sometimes frighten ordinary people, but Paul was great like his Lord and Master, and as sent from the Lord showed the mightiest sign of apostleship first, even Christ-like patience, and power and miracles next. (2 Cor. 12:12). No weak believer was trodden upon but he felt it (2 Cor. 11:29); no kind of soul difficulty presented itself to him, but he entered heart and soul into the position of the person he spoke to. (1 Cor. 9:22). He laboured with his hands, supporting himself (1 Cor. 4:12), and at times others also (Acts 21:34, 35), and could say from the bottom of his heart, “To me to live is Christ, and to die. . .” (Phlm 1:21).
We would ask our young readers to copy out for themselves, for his or her profit, the references which we have given ; look well into the picture they present of a man of God, and the more you look the more you will love the portrait, and seek to be followers of him, even as he was of Christ. There is an exceeding attractiveness in a noble Christian life; it stirs our souls, calls up heavenly energies, stimulates to self-sacrifice, and teaches us humility.