Church tradition affirms Paul was beheaded in Rome under Emperor Nero around AD 67. As a Roman citizen, he was entitled to a quicker death than crucifixion.

Paul the Apostle

Q: Why did Saul's name change to Paul?

Saul was his Hebrew name; Paul (Paulus) was his Roman name. As a Roman citizen, he had both from birth. The name change reflects his missionary focus on the Gentile world.

Q: How many letters did Paul write?

Paul wrote thirteen letters included in the New Testament: Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Q: What was Paul's 'thorn in the flesh'?

Scripture doesn't specify Paul's 'thorn.' Suggestions include eye problems, malaria, epilepsy, or persecution. The ambiguity allows all believers with persistent trials to identify with his experience.

Apostle to the Gentiles

New Testament

Paul, originally named Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee who persecuted early Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He became one of the most influential apostles, undertaking three major missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. He wrote 13 epistles that form a significant portion of the New Testament, establishing churches and developing Christian theology. His letters to the Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians remain foundational texts for Christian doctrine.

Character Traits

Radical TransformationTheological DepthMissionary PassionSuffering ServantPastor's HeartBold Proclaimer

Life Timeline

Early Lifec. AD 5

Birth in Tarsus

ACT 22:3

Persecutorc. AD 33-34

Persecutes the Church

ACT 8:1-3

Conversionc. AD 34

Conversion on the Damascus Road

ACT 9:3-19

Preparationc. AD 34-37

Years in Arabia and Damascus

GAL 1:17-18

First Missionary Journeyc. AD 46-48

First Missionary Journey

ACT 13-14

Jerusalem Councilc. AD 49

Jerusalem Council

ACT 15:1-35

Second Missionary Journeyc. AD 49-52

Second Missionary Journey

ACT 15:36-18:22

Third Missionary Journeyc. AD 53-57

Third Missionary Journey

ACT 18:23-21:16

Arrest and Trialsc. AD 57

Arrest in Jerusalem

ACT 21:17-23:35

Imprisonmentc. AD 57-59

Imprisonment in Caesarea

ACT 24-26

Journey to Romec. AD 59-60

Voyage to Rome

ACT 27-28

Roman Imprisonmentc. AD 60-62

First Roman Imprisonment

PHP 1:12-14

Martyrdomc. AD 67

Martyrdom

2TI 4:6-8

Key Relationships

Ministry Partner

Fellow Apostle

Spiritual Son

Co-worker

Physician and Companion

Jesus Christrelations.other

Lord and Savior who called him

Key Locations

Tarsus

Paul's birthplace giving him Roman citizenship and Greek cultural exposure

Damascus

City where Paul was converted and began preaching Jesus as the Son of God

Jerusalem

Center of Jewish faith where Paul studied, persecuted the church, and was later arrested

Antioch (Syria)

Launching point for missionary journeys where believers were first called Christians

Ephesus

Major city where Paul ministered for three years and the word of the Lord spread widely

Rome

Capital where Paul arrived as prisoner, preached freely under house arrest, and was martyred

Spiritual Lessons

No One Is Beyond Grace

Paul called himself 'the chief of sinners'—a persecutor and violent man. If grace could transform Christianity's worst enemy into its greatest apostle, it can transform anyone.

Gospel Over Comfort

Paul endured constant hardship for the gospel: shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment. His life challenges comfortable Christianity.

Strength in Weakness

Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' taught him that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. Boast in what reveals dependence on Christ.

Finish the Race

Near death, Paul wrote: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.' What matters is not just starting but persevering to the end.

Key Verses

Acts 9:3-6 Romans 8:28 Philippians 4:13

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul's name change to Paul?+

How many letters did Paul write?+

What was Paul's 'thorn in the flesh'?+

How did Paul die?+

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