What was Paul's background before he was saved?
Before salvation, Paul was steeped in the traditions of the fathers and was a persecutor who hated Jesus of Nazareth with a passion. He was Saul of Tarsus, separated from his mother's womb by God's preordained plan, yet saved by grace, not merit.
Les explains that Paul was no different from people in Christendom today who are steeped in their traditions. Paul was steeped in the tradition of the fathers. Les points out that Paul's background was as the persecutor, the one who hated Jesus of Nazareth with a passion. Yet God saw fit to save that man, not because he deserved it or earned it, but by grace. Les also notes that God separated him from his mother's womb; Saul of Tarsus was already on God's mind in eternity past. At the appropriate time, Saul's mother conceived, and the baby in her womb was part of God's preordained plan. God formed him in the womb, brought him to birth, and called him by His grace. God's purpose was to reveal His Son in him—the resurrected, crucified, and risen Christ.