The Apostle Paul

Paul, "an apostle of Jesus Christ" was the author of the majority the 27 books in the New Testament and one of the most prominent Christian figures of the 1^st century.

Origins

Paul (also referred to as Saul), came originally from Tarsus (a region which is now modern day Turkey) and was an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin (Acts 21:39, Romans 11:1). He was a Pharisee, and speaks himself of the prominent and impressive position he held as a religious leader in Philippians 3:4-6.

Before his conversion Paul was a notorious persecutor of the newly founded Christian Church (Philippians 3:6) most notably his involvement in Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:57-58, Acts 8:1) where he holds the coats of those who are involved in the stoning.

Conversion

It was on the road to Damascus that Paul encountered and conversed with the risen Jesus and was converted (Acts 9:1-17). The event left Paul blinded for three days, and those travelling with him aided him in the rest of his journey. When Paul reached Damascus his sight was restored by a disciple named Ananias, and he was immediately baptized.

Paul began to teach persuasively that Jesus was the Christ which inevitably angered the Jews with whom he had previously been associated. This led to Paul having to flee Damascus due to a plot to take his life.

He fled to Jerusalem where many of the disciples found it difficult to believe that he really was a follower of Jesus when he tried to join with them. Eventually he was taken to the Apostles by Barnabas, where he gave the account of his conversion. After this he stayed in Jerusalem and again spoke and debated with the people in the city that Jesus was the Christ; and again his life was under threat. On this occasion the rest of the disciples sent him to Tarsus for his safety (Acts 9:20-30).

Journeys

The main accounts of the life of Paul are those concerning his three major missionary journeys which are recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and the majority of the epistles. He travelled for great distances at a time in the company of Barnabas, Silas, John Mark and others. During these journeys he encountered much aggressive opposition, including attempts on his life.

Death

Paul is believed to have been executed in Rome (although this is uncertain) by the roman authorities under the rule of the emperor Nero around the years 64-67AD.