Paul was a Pharisee trained in Jerusalem under Gamaliel and likely encountered Jesus personally

Mike argues: (1) Paul was a Pharisee raised and trained in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. (2) Jews, especially Pharisees, went to Jerusalem three times a year for the major feasts. (3) Jesus's most public ministry occurred in Jerusalem, where he frequently debated the Pharisees. (4) Even if Paul wasn't present at those specific debates, he would have heard about them through his Pharisaic network. (5) Paul was present at the stoning of Stephen in the early Jerusalem church. Mike consulted Dr. Robert Bowman, who said he knew of no compelling argument that Paul couldn't have encountered Jesus during his earthly ministry.