This audio excerpt delves into the multifaceted background of the Apostle Paul to understand the influences that shaped his identity and message. It begins by examining a second-century physical description of Paul from the Acts of Paul and Thecla, noting its likely fictitious nature rooted in ancient physiognomics, the practice of judging character from appearance. The speaker contrasts this with Paul's own self-description in 2 Corinthians, highlighting his opponents' view of him as physically unimpressive yet powerful in writing, a description Paul surprisingly doesn't entirely refute. The lecture then explores various facets of Paul's background, including his likely introverted nature, his Pharisaic training under the liberal school of Hillel, his Roman citizenship, his fluency in multiple languages (Greek, Hebrew, possibly Latin and Aramaic), and his remarkable ability to adapt his message to different audiences, evident in his letters. Furthermore, it discusses his deeply Jewish education, emphasizing his reliance on the pre-70 CE understanding of Judaism which valued stories alongside law, and his mastery of the Septuagint. Finally, the speaker examines Greco-Roman philosophical influences like Stoicism and Cynicism that Paul likely absorbed in Tarsus, his birthplace, and how the city's anti-Semitic atmosphere might have shaped his message of liberation for the marginalized. Ultimately, the lecture aims to paint a comprehensive picture of the diverse factors that contributed to Paul's unique perspective and powerful impact.