Paul of Tarsus
Paul of Tarsus was a Christian apostle and early Christian missionary who is credited with spreading Christianity outside Palestine, particularly among the Romans. He wrote several letters in the New Testament of the Bible. Paul is mentioned in thirteen of the New Testament's 27 books, and nearly half of another, Acts of the Apostles, is devoted to his life and exploits. As a result, about half of the New Testament is credited to Paul and those he inspired. Only seven of the thirteen letters, however, are totally authentic (dictated by Paul himself).
Paul was a Pharisee, according to the New Testament book Acts of the Apostles. Prior to his conversion, he engaged in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, probably Hellenized diaspora Jews converted to Christianity, in the Jerusalem area. Paul was traveling on the way to Damascus after having ordered Stephen's execution, hoping to discover any Christians there and bring them "bound to Jerusalem" (ESV). At noon, a light brighter than the sun appeared around him and those with him, causing everyone to fall to the ground, and the risen Christ spoke to Paul about his tribulation. After being blinded and forbidden from entering the city, Ananias of Damascus restored his sight three days later. Following these experiences, Paul was baptized and began proclaiming that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish messiah and the Son of God right away. Approximately half of the content in Acts is dedicated to Paul's life and activity.
- Born: c. 5 AD, Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire (modern-day Turkey)
- Died: c. 64/65 AD, Rome, Italia, Roman Empire
