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AUGUST 18
DAY 17:Who was Paul the apostle, and why does he seem to have two names?
Paul (Greek name) the apostle was also known as Saul, which was his Hebrew name. Along
with his double name, Paul was also able to exercise dual citizenship as a Jewish descendant from
the tribe of Benjamin (Phil.3:5) and as a Roman (Acts 16:37; 22:25).Paul was born about the time of
Christ’s birth, in Tarsus, located in modern Turkey (Acts 9:11).
Young Saul spent much of his early life in Jerusalem as a student of the celebrated rabbi
(teacher) Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Like his father before him, Paul was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6), a member
of the strictest Jewish sect (Phil.3:5).He actively resisted those who followed Jesus.His first appear-
ance in Scripture occurs in Acts 7:58 as he observed the martyrdom of Stephen.
Miraculously converted while on his way to Damascus (about A.D. 33–34) to persecute
Christians, Paul immediately began proclaiming the gospel (Acts 9:20). After narrowly escaping
Damascus (Acts 9:23–25; 2 Cor. 11:32,33), Paul spent three years in the wilderness (Gal. 1:17,18).
During those years, he received much of his doctrine as direct revelation from the Lord (Gal.
1:11,12).
More than any other individual,Paul was responsible for the spread of Christianity throughout
the Roman Empire. He made three missionary journeys along the north side of the Mediterranean
Sea, tirelessly preaching the gospel he had once tried to destroy (Acts 26:9). Eventually he was
arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27–31), appealed for a hearing before Caesar, and finally reached
Rome (chaps.27;28).Later,he was released for a short time of ministry then arrested again and mar-
tyred at Rome in about A.D. 65–67.
Though physically unimpressive (2 Cor. 10:10; Gal. 4:14), Paul possessed an inner strength
granted him through the Holy Spirit’s power (Phil. 4:13).The grace of God proved sufficient to pro-
vide for his every need (2 Cor.12:9,10),enabling this noble servant of Christ to successfully finish his
spiritual race (2 Tim. 4:7).

When trouble comes upon him?
AUGUST 18 10 Will he delight himself in the
Almighty?
Will he always call on God?
Job 27:1–28:28
11 “I will teach you about the hand of God;
Moreover Job continued his discourse,
27 and said: What is with the Almighty I will not
conceal.
2 “As God lives, who has taken away my 12 Surely all of you have seen it;
justice, Why then do you behave with
And the Almighty, who has made my complete nonsense?
soul bitter,
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3 As long as my breath is in me, “This is the portion of a wicked man
And the breath of God in my nostrils, with God,
4 My lips will not speak wickedness, And the heritage of oppressors,
Nor my tongue utter deceit. received from the Almighty:
14
5 Far be it from me If his children are multiplied, it is for
That I should say you are right; the sword;
Till I die I will not put away my And his offspring shall not be satisfied
integrity from me. with bread.
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6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will Those who survive him shall be buried
not let it go; in death,
My heart shall not reproach me as And their widows shall not weep,
16 Though he heaps up silver like dust,
long as I live.
And piles up clothing like clay—
7 “May my enemy be like the wicked, 17 He may pile it up, but the just will wear
And he who rises up against me like it,
the unrighteous. And the innocent will divide the silver.
8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, 18 He builds his house like a moth,
Though he may gain much, Like a booth which a watchman makes.
If God takes away his life? 19 The rich man will lie down,
9 Will God hear his cry But not be gathered up;

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