Paul the Apostle: A Detailed Biography

Paul the Apostle (c. 5–67 CE), originally Saul of Tarsus, was the most influential early Christian missionary and theologian. A former persecutor of Christians, his dramatic conversion and tireless missionary work spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Author of 13 New Testament epistles, his theology of salvation by grace through faith remains central to Christianity. This biography covers his Jewish upbringing, Damascus road conversion, missionary journeys, imprisonment, and martyrdom, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Bible Odyssey, and the Vatican.

Early Life as Saul of Tarsus

Jewish Pharisee and Roman Citizen

Born Saul around 5–10 CE in Tarsus, Cilicia, Paul was a Hellenistic Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, trained as a Pharisee under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. A Roman citizen by birth, he was fluent in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, as detailed by the Biblical Archaeology Society.

Persecutor of Christians

Saul approved the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58–8:1) and “ravaged” the church, arresting believers in Jerusalem and pursuing them to Damascus.

Conversion on the Road to Damascus (c. 34–36 CE)

On the way to Damascus, a light from heaven blinded him and the risen Jesus spoke: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Baptised by Ananias, he took the name Paul and began preaching Christ, as recounted in Acts 9 and his own letters, preserved by the Bible Gateway.

Missionary Journeys

Three Major Journeys (c. 46–57 CE)

First journey (with Barnabas): Cyprus and southern Galatia. Second journey (with Silas): Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth. Third journey: Ephesus (three years), Macedonia, Greece. Paul established churches, appointed elders, and wrote letters that became Scripture, as mapped by the Blue Letter Bible.

Arrest and Journey to Rome

Arrested in Jerusalem c. 57 CE, Paul appealed to Caesar as a Roman citizen. Shipwrecked on Malta, he finally reached Rome c. 60 CE and was under house arrest for two years.

Epistles and Theology

Paul wrote 13 letters (7 undisputed: Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Philemon). He taught justification by faith, the universality of sin, and the church as the body of Christ, as analysed by the The Gospel Coalition.

Personal Life

Paul was unmarried and celibate (1 Corinthians 7). He supported himself as a tentmaker. He suffered shipwrecks, beatings, and imprisonment but wrote “I have learned to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

Death and Legacy

Paul the Apostle’s Enduring Impact

Paul was beheaded in Rome under Nero, traditionally c. 64–67 CE. With Peter, he is co-patron of Rome. His letters form nearly half the New Testament and shaped Christian doctrine on grace, law, and salvation. The Pauline epistles are read by billions weekly, as celebrated by the Vatican.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul the Apostle

Why Is Paul the Apostle Famous?

For spreading Christianity to Gentiles and writing 13 New Testament epistles.

Was Paul One of the 12 Apostles?

No — called an apostle by the risen Christ but not one of the original Twelve.

Where Was Paul Born?

Tarsus, Cilicia (Turkey), c. 5–10 CE.

What Happened on the Road to Damascus?

Jesus appeared to him; he converted from persecutor to missionary.

How Many Missionary Journeys Did Paul Make?

Three major journeys plus voyage to Rome.

Which Letters Did Paul Write?

13 epistles (Romans to Philemon); 7 undisputedly authentic.

How Did Paul Die?

Beheaded in Rome under Nero, c. 64–67 CE.