New Testament · character
Paul
From persecutor of the church to apostle to the Gentiles.
Paul (Saul) was once a leading persecutor of Christians, but after meeting the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus he was converted and became the apostle who wrote nearly half of the New Testament letters.
Saul the Persecutor
A strict Pharisee, Saul took the lead in persecuting the early church and was even present at the martyrdom of Stephen.
The Light of Damascus
On his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, he encountered the light of the risen Jesus, was struck blind, and was converted three days later (Acts 9). The persecutor was transformed into the most passionate of evangelists.
A Journey to the Ends of the Earth
Through three missionary journeys he planted churches all across the Mediterranean, and even from prison he taught the churches through letters. Romans, Corinthians, and Philippians are among his epistles.
Related verses
- Acts 9:4"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
- Philippians 3:8"Because knowing Christ is of surpassing worth."