Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee who actively persecuted the early followers of Jesus, present at the stoning of Saint Stephen. According to the Acts of the Apostles, while traveling to Damascus to arrest Christians, he was struck by a blinding light and heard the voice of the risen Christ asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He was baptized soon after and took the name Paul.
Paul went on to become the most tireless missionary of the early Church, undertaking several long journeys across the Mediterranean world to found and strengthen Christian communities among non-Jewish peoples — earning him the title "Apostle to the Gentiles." Many of his letters to these communities, including Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians, are preserved in the New Testament and remain foundational texts of Christian theology. Tradition holds that he was martyred in Rome, beheaded as a Roman citizen rather than crucified.
Saint Paul
Apostle to the Gentiles
Originally a persecutor of Christians, converted after an encounter with the risen Christ, who became one of the most influential missionaries and writers in Christian history.
- Century
- 1st century
Categories
Why People Pray to Saint Paul
Saint Paul is invoked by those seeking conversion of heart and a fresh start, since his own life was transformed from persecutor to apostle. He is also prayed to by missionaries, writers, and evangelists.
