A Study of Paul’s Identity in Acts

Abstract

In Acts, Luke describes Paul as a holder of multiple identities—Jew, Greek, and Roman. Paul’s behavior can be described as that of an opportunist by switching his own identity in Philippi and Jerusalem. However, Paul’s behavior can be discussed as a context-dependent representation of self. As the case of Lucian shows, an individual’s identity is fluidly constructed in religious, cultural, and political contexts. According to Luke’s portrayal, Paul also presents himself as a Jew in the Jewish religious context but as a Roman citizen in Roman political situations.