also called Saul of Tarsus
Originally Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Pharisee who violently persecuted the early church until a blinding encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him into Christianity’s greatest missionary. Paul conducted three major missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing churches throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and beyond. He authored thirteen epistles that form the theological backbone of the New Testament, articulating doctrines of grace, justification by faith, and the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ. Paul was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero.
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.Acts 9:15 · Berean Standard Bible
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you…
The greatest enemy of the early church is struck blind on a road. When he can see again, everything is different — including his name.
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Paul and Barnabas are sent out by the Spirit from Antioch. Synagogues, sorcerers, and split reactions — the gospel is on the move.
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—
Paul's masterpiece — the most systematic explanation of the Christian faith ever written. Dense, brilliant, and life-changing from first verse to last.
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
Paul's credentials were flawless — and he counted them as garbage. Forgetting what's behind, he strains toward the prize with everything he has.
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