The spelling of "Jew of Tarsus" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "Jew" is pronounced /dʒuː/ (joo), with the /dʒ/ sound like in "jump" and the /uː/ sound like in "mood". The word "Tarsus" is pronounced /ˈtɑːsəs/ (tar-suss), with the stress on the first syllable and the /s/ sound like in "sun". Together, the phrase is pronounced /dʒuː əv ˈtɑːsəs/ (joo of tar-suss). It refers to the Apostle Paul, who was originally named Saul and was born in Tarsus.
The term "Jew of Tarsus" refers to an individual who is both a Jew and hails from the ancient city of Tarsus. Tarsus was an important city in ancient Cilicia, located in modern-day Turkey. A Jew of Tarsus, therefore, is someone who follows the Jewish faith and originates from this particular city.
The mention of "Jew of Tarsus" often points to the apostle Paul, also known as Saint Paul or Saul of Tarsus, who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity during the first-century. He was born in Tarsus to Jewish parents and possessed dual citizenship of both Tarsus and Rome. Paul initially persecuted early followers of Jesus, but a transformative encounter led to his conversion and subsequent missionary work. He is credited with authoring several epistles or letters found in the New Testament of the Bible.
While the term "Jew of Tarsus" can be primarily associated with the apostle Paul, it can also refer to any Jew originating from Tarsus during this era. The designation highlights their geographic origin and religious affiliation. "Jew of Tarsus" encompasses a historical and cultural context, describing individuals who were part of the Jewish community in Tarsus and contributed to the wider Jewish tradition and diaspora.