St Paul Biography

St. Paul is believed to have been born between around 5 AD to a devout Jewish family based in the city of Tarsus. His birthplace was one of the most influential cities in Asia Minor at the time of his birth. According to The Book of Acts, he was a Roman citizen by birth. Paul's Jewish name was "Saul."

Very little information is available about his family. In some of his surviving letters, Paul has referred to himself as belonging to “the stock of Israel.” He was probably a member of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews.

Some sources state that he was a “Pharisee, born of Pharisees.” His family apparently had a history of religious piety and was attached to Pharisaic traditions.

As a young man, he went to Jerusalem to receive his education. He attended the school of Gamaliel, one of the most prominent teachers of Jewish law in history. However, historians believe that he never aspired to become a scholar of Jewish law despite studying under Gamaliel.

While Paul could speak Aramaic (then known as "Hebrew"), his first language was Koine Greek. He had a strong foundation in Stoic philosophy.

The Book of Acts states that he was an artisan. He was probably involved in leather crafting or tent-making as a profession. He is believed to have connected with future Christian disciples, Priscilla and Aquila, in a professional setting and even partnered with them in tent-making.

Paul spent many years of his life persecuting early converts to Christianity. He himself stated this fact many times in his letters. He specifically targeted Hellenised diaspora Jewish members who converted to Christianity.

It is believed that his initial persecution of Christians was directed against the Greek-speaking "Hellenists" owing to their anti-Temple attitude. He was even present at the martyrdom of St. Stephen.

According to the New Testament, once while traveling to Damascus, Paul was struck by blindness and had to be led by the hand through the journey. For three days, he consumed no food or water and engaged himself in intense prayer to God.

Ananias of Damascus, a disciple of Jesus, heard of Paul’s predicament and came to him. Ananias placed his hands on Paul and conveyed to him Jesus Christ’s message and blessings. Paul immediately recovered his sight and converted to Christianity. He was then duly baptized.

Following his conversion, Paul was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah and God’s Son and took it upon himself as a divine duty to travel around the world and spread the message.

With another Christian disciple Barnabas, Paul traveled from Antioch to Cyprus and then into southern Asia Minor. After preaching to people throughout the trip, they finally returned to Antioch.

They then sailed to Perga in Pamphylia and proceeded to Pisidian Antioch from there. On Sabbath, he preached the life story of Jesus in the synagogue. He stayed in Antioch for a long time.

An Apostolic Age dispute between Paul and apostle Peter occurred in Antioch due to Peter's reluctance to share a meal with Gentile Christians. Even Barnabas, Paul’s traveling companion, sided with Peter. The final outcome of the incident is not known.

In late autumn 49, Paul began another missionary journey from Jerusalem. He and his companions, Silas and Timothy, went to Macedonia to preach to the people there. They had a miraculous experience while traveling through Philippi.

Paul spent 18 months in Corinth around the years 50-52. There, he met Priscilla and Aquila, who converted to Christianity and helped Paul in his missionary work. Paul alone traveled on to Caesarea before proceeding to Antioch.

Paul then undertook a missionary journey traveling all over the region of Galatia and Phrygia. He also went to Ephesus, an important center of early Christianity. He stayed there for three years and probably worked as a tent-maker as he had back in Corinth. During his stay, he also performed many religious miracles.

Continuing on his missionary journey, he traveled through Macedonia into Achaea during 56-57 AD. He stayed in Greece for a few months and it is believed he dictated his Epistle to the Romans during this time.

He visited Philippi, Rhodes, Troas, Miletus, and Tyre on his way back to Jerusalem. He stopped in Caesarea, where he stayed with Philip the Evangelist for some time before arriving at Jerusalem.

Paul was warmly received at Jerusalem. However, he soon realized that he had made some enemies who believed he was going against the law. He was eventually taken into custody by the Roman procurator Marcus Antonius Felix and held for two years. 

Along with his companions, Paul was sent to Rome, where he was to stand trial for his alleged crimes. He was kept under house arrest for two years in Rome. He continued to preach from his home while awaiting trial. 

Different sources give varying accounts of his death. According to Greek historian Eusebius, Paul was killed during the Neronian Persecution. Christian author Tertullian states that Paul was beheaded. According to a later legend, his martyrdom occurred at the Aquae Salviae.

Paul was known for his exceptional skills as a tentmaker, which he used as a means of supporting himself while spreading the teachings of Christianity.

Despite his initial opposition to Christianity, St. Paul underwent a profound transformation after a miraculous encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading him to become one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church.

After his encounter with the divine on the road to Damascus, he was left blinded for 3 days. 

Paul was fluent in Koine Greek, a language he often used in his letters.