Saint Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Pharisee who violently persecuted early Christians before experiencing a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After his encounter with the risen Christ, he became Christianity's most influential early missionary and theologian. Paul's letters (epistles) form a significant portion of the New Testament and have shaped Christian theology for two millennia.
Paul undertook three major missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe. He defended the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) in the Christian movement without requiring them to follow Jewish law. Paul was imprisoned multiple times for his preaching and was eventually martyred in Rome around 67 AD. He is considered the "Apostle to the Gentiles" and is the patron saint of missionaries, evangelists, writers, and public speakers.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
- Galatians 2:20
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39