apostle · New Testament
Paul
Apostle to the Gentiles
Strong's G3972 — original-language name study
Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians until his dramatic conversion on the Damascus road. He became the most influential apostle, writing much of the New Testament and spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee, trained under the renowned teacher Gamaliel, and utterly zealous for the traditions of Judaism. He considered Christians blasphemers and became a leading persecutor, even approving of Stephen's stoning and obtaining letters to arrest believers in Damascus. He was "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord."
On the Damascus road, a light from heaven blinded Saul and a voice asked, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Jesus personally appeared to His fiercest enemy and transformed him into His most dedicated apostle. Blinded for three days, Saul was healed and baptized by Ananias, and immediately began preaching that Jesus was the Son of God—astonishing everyone who knew his former reputation.
Paul's missionary journeys took him throughout the Roman Empire, planting churches in major cities. He faced beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and constant opposition. He worked as a tentmaker to support himself while preaching, and he wrote letters to churches that now form thirteen books of the New Testament. His theology of justification by faith, the body of Christ, and the resurrection shaped Christian doctrine for all time.
Paul was imprisoned in Rome at least twice. During his first imprisonment, he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Tradition holds that he was released, continued ministry, was imprisoned again, and was finally beheaded under Nero around AD 67. He finished well: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Life Timeline of Paul
Birth in Tarsus
Born a Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Roman citizen.
Acts 22:3, 28; Philippians 3:5 (KJV)Persecutor
Consents to Stephen's death; ravages the church.
Acts 7:58; 8:3 (KJV)Damascus Road
Confronted by the risen Christ; blinded for three days.
Acts 9:3-9 (KJV)Baptism by Ananias
Baptized at Damascus; sight restored.
Acts 9:17-18 (KJV)Arabia & Antioch
Withdraws to Arabia; later teaches a year at Antioch.
Galatians 1:17; Acts 11:25-26 (KJV)First Missionary Journey
Sent with Barnabas to Cyprus and Asia Minor.
Acts 13:2-4 (KJV)Jerusalem Council
Defends Gentile liberty before the apostles.
Acts 15:1-29 (KJV)Macedonian Call
Crosses into Europe; founds the Philippian church.
Acts 16:9-12 (KJV)Arrest in Jerusalem
Seized in the temple; appeals unto Caesar.
Acts 21:33; 25:11 (KJV)Roman Imprisonment
Preaches the kingdom in Rome under house arrest.
Acts 28:30-31 (KJV)Final Charge
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course."
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
Key Scriptures
"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel."
Also linked to: Barnabas, Dorcas (Tabitha)
Context: Paul's personal creed — crucified with Christ, yet living by the faith of the Son of God.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Lessons from Paul's Life
- 1.No one is beyond the reach of God's transforming grace.
- 2.God can turn our greatest passion—even if misdirected—to His purposes.
- 3.Suffering for Christ is a privilege, not merely a burden.
- 4.Finishing well requires faithfulness to the end.
Books Featuring Paul
Acts
New Testament
Romans
New Testament
1 Corinthians
New Testament
2 Corinthians
New Testament
Galatians
New Testament
Ephesians
New Testament
Philippians
New Testament
Colossians
New Testament
1 Thessalonians
New Testament
2 Thessalonians
New Testament
1 Timothy
New Testament
2 Timothy
New Testament
Titus
New Testament
Philemon
New Testament
Related Characters
View all ApostleBarnabas
Son of Encouragement
Barnabas was an early church leader known for his encouragement and generosity. He championed Paul when others were afraid and mentored the young John Mark.
Timothy
Paul's Spiritual Son
Timothy was Paul's most trusted young associate, trained from childhood in Scripture and commissioned to lead the church at Ephesus.
Silas
Paul's Faithful Companion
Silas was a leader in the Jerusalem church who became Paul's companion on the second missionary journey, sharing imprisonment, beatings, and church-planting ministry.
Peter
The Rock
Peter was the bold, impulsive fisherman who became the leading apostle. Despite denying Christ three times, he was restored and became a pillar of the early church.
Luke
The Beloved Physician
Luke was a Gentile physician and Paul's loyal companion who authored the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, providing the most detailed historical accounts of Jesus' life and the early church.
Titus
Paul's True Child in Faith
Titus was a Greek convert who became one of Paul's most trusted associates, entrusted with difficult missions including organizing the church in Crete.
John Mark
The Restored Deserter
John Mark deserted Paul's first missionary journey but was later restored, becoming the author of the Gospel of Mark and a valuable servant to both Paul and Peter.
Lydia
The First European Convert
Lydia was a successful businesswoman from Thyatira whose heart God opened to receive Paul's message, making her the first recorded Christian convert in Europe.
Test yourself
Paul the Apostle Quiz
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Frequently Asked Questions
Miracles Featuring Paul
Every miracle in Scripture where Paul appears or is directly involved.
Paul and the Viper on Malta
A venomous viper fastens on Paul's hand on Malta, but he shakes it into the fire and feels no harm.
Read the miracleEarthquake Frees Paul and Silas in Philippi
An earthquake shakes the prison at midnight as Paul and Silas sing, opening every door and loosing every chain.
Read the miracleTest your knowledge of Paul
Free KJV Bible quizzes featuring this character — every answer cites a verse.
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Paul the Apostle Quiz
From persecutor to preacher — the apostle to the Gentiles.
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New Testament Quiz
Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation — the story of Christ and the early church.
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Peter the Apostle Quiz
The fisherman who became a fisher of men.
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Related Reading
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Paul the Apostle Quiz
From persecutor to preacher — the apostle to the Gentiles.
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People & Characters
Who Was the Apostle Paul?
People & Characters
Paul and the Viper on Malta
A venomous viper fastens on Paul's hand on Malta, but he shakes it into the fire