Paul (jan 1, 33 – jan 1, 65)

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Early Life and Background

-Born as Saul of Tarsus around 5 CE in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey).
-A Roman citizen by birth.
-Educated in Jerusalem under the Pharisee Gamaliel, trained in Jewish law and scripture (Acts 22:3).

Persecution of Christians

-Initially a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians.
-Present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58).
-Actively involved in imprisoning and persecuting Christians (Acts 8:3).

Conversion to Christianity

-Experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus around 33-36 CE.
-Blinded by a divine light and heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:1-9).
-After three days, his sight was restored by Ananias, and he was baptized, taking the name Paul (Acts 9:10-19).

Missionary Journeys

-Undertook at least three major missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire.
-Established numerous churches in Asia Minor, Greece, and other regions.
-Known for preaching to both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the universality of the Christian message.

Writings

-Authored thirteen epistles (letters) in the New Testament: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
-His letters address theological issues, church organization, and Christian living.

Significant Events

-Participated in the Council of Jerusalem around 50 CE, which addressed the issue of Gentile conversion (Acts 15).
-Imprisoned multiple times for his faith and missionary activities.
-Survived various hardships, including shipwrecks, beatings, and stoning (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Later Life and Death

-Arrested in Jerusalem and appealed to Caesar, leading to his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 21-28).
-Traditionally believed to have been martyred in Rome around 64-67 CE during Nero's persecution, likely beheaded due to his status as a Roman citizen.

Legacy

-Considered one of the most influential figures in Christian history.
-His theological insights and missionary work significantly shaped the development of early Christianity.
-Celebrated for his role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Veneration

-Recognized as a saint in multiple Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches.
-Feast day is celebrated on June 29 (together with Saint Peter).

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