Paul
A former persecutor of the church who became a missionary to the Gentiles, and the figure to whom many of the New Testament letters are attributed.
At a glance
- Name
- Paul
- Also known as
- Saul
- Type
- Person
- Period
- New Testament
- Appears in
- Acts and the New Testament letters
- First appearance
- Acts 7
- Known for
- Missionary journeys and New Testament letters
Who is Paul?
Paul is a Pharisee from Tarsus, first known by the name Saul. He is present at the stoning of Stephen and sets out to persecute the early church. The New Testament uses both names for him; it does not describe God renaming him, and he is called Paul especially in his work among the Gentiles.
On the road to Damascus he encounters the risen Jesus and is changed from a persecutor into a follower. He becomes a missionary, traveling widely to establish churches.
Much of the New Testament consists of letters attributed to Paul, written to the churches and individuals he worked with. He is eventually arrested and taken to Rome.
Paul in the Bible
Saul approves of Stephen's death
Saul is present at the stoning of Stephen and afterward works to persecute the church.
Read Acts 7 →The road to Damascus
On his way to Damascus, Saul encounters the risen Jesus in a blinding light and is turned from persecutor to follower.
Read Acts 9 →Paul's letter to the Romans
Paul writes to the church in Rome, setting out his message at length.
Read Romans 1 →Not to be confused with
- Saul, king of Israel The first king of Israel in 1 Samuel is a different Saul, who lived centuries earlier.
Key passages featuring Paul
These are key passages, not a complete list of every appearance.