Early Life and Conversion

Paul was born as Saul around the year 5 AD in Tarsus, a major city of Cilicia in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). As “Saul of Tarsus,” he came from a devout Jewish family of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5), holding Roman citizenship by birth (Acts 22:25-28)—a privilege that would later prove significant in his ministry. Raised in the traditions of Judaism, Saul was educated in Jerusalem under the renowned Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), learning the intricacies of the Law and becoming a zealous Pharisee.

Initially, Saul emerged as a fierce persecutor of the early Christian movement, known as “the Way.” He witnessed and approved of the stoning of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58-8:1). Paul himself later described his pre-conversion zeal: “I persecuted the Church of God violently and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13).

The Damascus Road Conversion

The pivotal moment in Paul’s life occurred around 33–36 AD. Armed with authority from the high priest, Saul set out for Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus (Acts 9:1-2). On the way, “a light from heaven flashed around him” and he heard the voice of Christ: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:3-4). Struck blind, Saul was led into Damascus, where Ananias, a Christian disciple, prayed for him. Saul had his sight restored, he was baptized, and God filled him with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18).

From this dramatic encounter, Saul became Paul, the indefatigable apostle of Christ. His conversion narrative, recounted three times in Acts (Acts 9, 22, 26), is central to understanding his theology of grace and redemption.

Missionary Journeys and Apostolic Work

Following his conversion, Paul spent several years in Arabia and Damascus (Galatians 1:17), then returned to Jerusalem and later to Antioch, where he began his missionary vocation. Over the next two decades, Paul undertook at least three major missionary journeys, as detailed in the Acts of the Apostles:

First Journey (c. 46–49 AD): Alongside Barnabas, Paul traveled from Antioch through Cyprus and into Asia Minor, preaching in cities such as Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 13–14).

Second Journey (c. 50–52 AD): Paul, with Silas and later Timothy and Luke, journeyed through Asia Minor and into Greece, founding Christian communities in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and most notably Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22).

Third Journey (c. 53–58 AD): Paul revisited many of the communities he had established, spending an extended period in Ephesus and further strengthening the young Church (Acts 18:23–21:17).

Throughout his journeys, Paul faced persecution, imprisonment, and hardship (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). His letters to the fledgling Christian communities—now canonical Epistles—explain Christian doctrine, exhort believers to faithfulness, and address theological challenges.

Epistolary Legacy

Paul is traditionally credited with authoring thirteen letters, or Epistles, in the New Testament—Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. These writings remain foundational for Christian theology and ethics, exploring themes such as justification by faith (Romans 3:28), unity in Christ (Galatians 3:28), and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

His letters were written between approximately 50 and 67 AD and are addressed to communities and individuals across the Mediterranean. The Roman Catholic Church reads from Paul’s epistles in the liturgy, reflecting their centrality to Christian instruction and devotion.

Final Years and Martyrdom

Paul’s final journey brought him to Jerusalem, where he was arrested after accusations by Jewish authorities (Acts 21:27-36). As a Roman citizen, he exercised his right to appeal to Caesar. After a perilous voyage, he arrived in Rome around 60 AD, where he lived under house arrest for two years, continuing to preach and write (Acts 28:16-31).Tradition holds that Paul was martyred in Rome during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, around 64–67 AD. Unlike Peter, who was crucified, Paul was beheaded—an execution befitting a Roman citizen. His tomb is believed to lie beneath the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, a major pilgrimage site.

Saint Paul Pray for us!