π Life Timeline
c. 5 BC
Born Saul in Tarsus
c. 33 AD
Conversion on Road to Damascus
c. 43-57 AD
Three missionary journeys
c. 67 AD
Martyred in Rome
β Biography
Born Saul at Tarsus in Cilicia c.3-5 AD, a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, Roman citizen, and tentmaker. Trained under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. Initially persecuted Christians, he was converted on the road to Damascus when Christ appeared to him (c.33-35 AD). Baptized by Ananias, he became the Apostle to the Gentiles. Undertook three great missionary journeys across the Mediterranean, establishing churches in Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Wrote 13 epistles forming half the New Testament: Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Taught justification by faith, the primacy of charity, and the mystery of Christ. Imprisoned in Rome c.61-63, then released for further missions before final imprisonment. Martyred by beheading in Rome c.64-67 AD under Nero. His feast is June 29 with St Peter.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Converts, missionaries, theologians, and biblical scholars. Apostle to the Gentiles.
π¬ Words of the Saint
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 5 AD, Tarsus
Died
c. 67 AD, Rome (beheaded)
Feast Day
Jun 29
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
π Legacy
Paul's letters form the theological foundation of Christianity. His doctrine of justification by faith shaped both Catholic and Protestant theology.
π Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words β their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
π Epistle to the Romans
On Justification by Faith
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.
β St. Paul the Apostle
π Epistle to the Philippians
On the Joy of the Lord
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry.
β St. Paul the Apostle