Saul was a native of Tarsus. Tarsus was a city located in the region of Cilicia, which is now modern-day Turkey. Saul, who later became known as the apostle Paul, was born in Tarsus and grew up there. Tarsus was an important city in the Roman Empire and was known for its education, commerce, and culture. As a result of growing up in Tarsus, Saul would have been familiar with Greek culture and language, which would later aid him in his missionary journeys.