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Early Church · New Testament

Paul

Apostle to the Gentiles and Missionary

Name meaning
Small or humble
Name origin
Latin: Paulus, “small”; Hebrew name Saul (שָׁאוּל), “asked for”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Apostle
  • Tentmaker
  • Missionary
Birthplace
Tarsus in Cilicia
Modern-day location
Tarsus, in modern Mersin Province, Turkey.
Family
  • Son of a Jewish family of Benjamin
  • Roman citizen
  • Co-worker with Barnabas, Silas and Timothy
First mention
Acts 7:58; 9:1-6
Last mention
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (traditional attribution)
Key artifacts
  • Scrolls and letters
  • Road to Damascus
  • Traveling staff

Key verses

  • “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles.”

    Acts 9:15

  • “that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus.”

    Acts 20:24

  • “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

    2 Timothy 4:7

Biography

Early Life

Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee educated in the Jewish tradition and a Roman citizen. He first appears approving the persecution of Stephen.

Defining Biblical Moments

On the road to Damascus he encountered the risen Jesus and became a missionary. Paul traveled widely, founded churches, endured imprisonment, and wrote letters to early Christian communities.

Strengths

Paul was intellectually rigorous, resilient, and devoted to making the gospel known across cultures.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His former persecution of believers was grave; his transformation emphasizes accountability, repentance, and changed action.

Life Lessons for Today

His former persecution of believers was grave; his transformation emphasizes accountability, repentance, and changed action.

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Paul appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #17 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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