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'''Saint Paul''' ([[Hebrew]]: '''שאול''' ''Shaul'' "asked [of [[God]]]") ''Apostle of the [[Gentile]]s'', also known as Saul of Tarsus (b. circa 5 [[B.C.]], d. circa 64 or 65 [[A.D.]]). Paul authored a majority of the [[New Testament]].  Among his many inspiring quotes is, “For the wages of [[sin]] is death, but the free gift of [[God]] is [[eternal life]] in Christ [[Jesus]] our [[Lord]].”<ref>{{bibleref|Romans|6|23}}</ref>  Another often-cited quote of Paul is "for we walk by [[faith]], not by sight."<ref>{{bibleref|2Corinthians|5|7}}</ref> Paul wrote 4 of his 13 Epistles while unjustly imprisoned, without any bitterness.

'''Saint Paul''' ([[Hebrew]]: '''שאול''' ''Shaul'' "asked [of [[God]]]") ''Apostle of the [[Gentile]]s'', also known as Saul of Tarsus (b. circa 5 [[B.C.]], d. circa 64 or 65 [[A.D.]]). Paul authored a majority of the [[New Testament]].  Among his many inspiring quotes is, “For the wages of [[sin]] is death, but the free gift of [[God]] is [[eternal life]] in Christ [[Jesus]] our [[Lord]].”<ref>{{bibleref|Romans|6|23}}</ref>  Another often-cited quote of Paul is "for we walk by [[faith]], not by sight."<ref>{{bibleref|2Corinthians|5|7}}</ref> Paul wrote 4 of his 13 Epistles while unjustly imprisoned, without any bitterness.

Paul apparently benefited from the [[Gospel of Mark]], because he quoted [[Mark]]'s quotation of [[John the Baptist]] at {{bibleref|Acts|13|25}} (quoting {{bibleref|Mark|1|7}}).  This also confirms that the Gospel of Mark was written and circulated quite early. Paul incorporates details from the [[Last Supper]] into one of his letters, which did not personally attend, and this further proves that Paul had the benefit of a [[Gospel]] when he wrote some of his letters. ''See'' {{bibleref|1Corinthians|11|23-26}}  This dates the circulation of one or more [[Gospels]] to well before 64 [[A.D.]]

Paul apparently benefited from the [[Gospel of Mark]], because he quoted [[Mark]]'s quotation of [[John the Baptist]] at {{bibleref|Acts|13|25}} (quoting {{bibleref|Mark|1|7}}).  This also confirms that the Gospel of Mark was written and circulated quite early. Paul incorporates details from the [[Last Supper]] into one of his letters, which he did not personally attend, and this further proves that Paul had the benefit of a [[Gospel]] when he wrote some of his letters. ''See'' {{bibleref|1Corinthians|11|23-26}}  This dates the circulation of one or more [[Gospels]] to well before 64 [[A.D.]]

Paul used the term "[[Christ Jesus]]" a total of 83 times, while no other [[New Testament]] author used this expression even once (except [[Luke]] used it in the [[Acts of the Apostles]] in mentioning that someone heard it from Paul).  Paul also frequently used the term "Jesus Christ," totaling about 100 times in his letters in the [[New Testament]], far more than the other [[Bible|biblical]] authors used that term.

Paul used the term "[[Christ Jesus]]" a total of 83 times, while no other [[New Testament]] author used this expression even once (except [[Luke]] used it in the [[Acts of the Apostles]] in mentioning that someone heard it from Paul).  Paul also frequently used the term "Jesus Christ," totaling about 100 times in his letters in the [[New Testament]], far more than the other [[Bible|biblical]] authors used that term.

Never having seen or met [[Jesus]] himself in the flesh, he was suddenly visited by Jesus while on his way to persecute his followers at Damascus. Paul saw a blinding white light and fell to the ground as Jesus talked to him asking Saul why he was persecuting him, then telling him to go into the city where he would be told what to do.  Paul got up, but when he opened his eyes, he found he was blind. Being led by the hand into the city by the men who were with him, for three days Paul could not see and would not eat or drink.  But a stranger named Ananias came to see him, a follower of Christ, having been led by God in a vision to where Paul was staying.  Placing his hands upon Paul as God told him to do, Paul was cured as he acquired [[faith]] in Christ, and something like scales fell from his eyes. Paul became baptized that very day. ([[Acts (of the Apostles)|Acts]] 9:1-19).  This incident is called the Road to Damascus experience.

Never having seen or met [[Jesus]] himself in the flesh, he was suddenly visited by Jesus while on his way to persecute his followers at Damascus. Paul saw a blinding white light and fell to the ground as Jesus talked to him asking Saul why he was persecuting him, then telling him to go into the city where he would be told what to do.  Paul got up, but when he opened his eyes, he found he was blind. Being led by the hand into the city by the men who were with him, for three days Paul could not see and would not eat or drink.  But a stranger named Ananias came to see him, a follower of Christ, having been led by God in a vision to where Paul was staying.  Placing his hands upon Paul as God told him to do, Paul was cured as he acquired [[faith]] in Christ, and something like scales fell from his eyes. Paul became baptized that very day. ([[Acts (of the Apostles)|Acts]] 9:1-19).  This incident is called the Road to Damascus experience.

St. Paul testified that he had been "a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a [[Pharisee]]; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness which is in the [[Law]], found blameless," (Philippians 3:5b-6) and a student of the esteemed rabbi [[Gamaliel]] (Acts 22:3) As such, he originally hated the Christians and took a lead in persecuting them:  specifically, he was "in hearty agreement" with the stoning of saint Stephanus (Stephen). After conversion he undertook a series of missionary journeys to the [[gentiles]]. These were dedicated mainly to spreading a universal or catholic gospel - a gospel of grace that freed gentiles from the necessity of observing the Jewish Law, reportedly much to the scandal of the  Church at Jerusalem headed by [[Peter]], who heard his rebuke and acquiesced to God's anointing upon Paul.

St. Paul testified that he had been "a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a [[Pharisee]]; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness which is in the [[Law]], found blameless," (Philippians 3:5b-6) and a student of the esteemed rabbi [[Gamaliel]] (Acts 22:3) As such, he originally hated the Christians and took a lead in persecuting them:  specifically, he was "in hearty agreement" with the stoning of saint Stephanus (Stephen). After conversion, he undertook a series of missionary journeys to the [[gentiles]]. These were dedicated mainly to spreading a universal or catholic gospel - a gospel of grace that freed gentiles from the necessity of observing the Jewish Law, reportedly much to the scandal of the  Church at Jerusalem headed by [[Peter]], who heard his rebuke and acquiesced to God's anointing upon Paul.

Paul had an historic conflict with [[Peter]], who initially felt that Christianity was meant only for Jewish people.  Their conflict was resolved by a convening of early Christians in Jerusalem, and Paul's approach prevailed:  Christianity was to be spread to the entire world, both Jewish and Gentile - a universal or catholic church.

Paul had a historic conflict with [[Peter]], who initially felt that Christianity was meant only for Jewish people.  Their conflict was resolved by a convening of early Christians in Jerusalem, and Paul's approach prevailed:  Christianity was to be spread to the entire world, both Jewish and Gentile - a universal or catholic church.

'''Feastday:''' June 29.

'''Feastday:''' June 29.

== Apostle of the Gentiles ==

== Apostle of the Gentiles ==

[[File:Paul mission2.jpg|thumb|290px]]

[[File:Paul mission2.jpg|thumb|290px]]

Because the liberating effects of his message caused much unintended immorality and uncertainty among his gentile converts, many of whom promptly gave up their jobs and other commitments in expectation of the imminent [[Last Days]], Paul wrote many letters to his various 'churches' expounding on the gospel of grace and on a wide variety of subjects, including the essential [[kerygma]] or preaching thrust of what was to become [[Christianity]]. He was also wrote on ''agape'', or universal, unconditional compassion, as referred to at 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Thirteen of these letters were subsequently incorporated into the [[New Testament]]: [[Epistle to the Romans|Romans]], [[I Corinthians]], [[II Corinthians]], [[Galatians]], [[Ephesians]], [[Philippians]], [[Colossians]], [[I Thessalonians]], [[II Thessalonians]], [[I Timothy]], [[II Timothy]], Titus and [[Philemon]].

Because the liberating effects of his message caused much unintended immorality and uncertainty among his gentile converts, many of whom promptly gave up their jobs and other commitments in expectation of the imminent [[Last Days]], Paul wrote many letters to his various 'churches' expounding on the gospel of grace and on a wide variety of subjects, including the essential [[kerygma]] or preaching thrust of what was to become [[Christianity]]. He also wrote on ''agape'', or universal, unconditional compassion, as referred to in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Thirteen of these letters were subsequently incorporated into the [[New Testament]]: [[Epistle to the Romans|Romans]], [[I Corinthians]], [[II Corinthians]], [[Galatians]], [[Ephesians]], [[Philippians]], [[Colossians]], [[I Thessalonians]], [[II Thessalonians]], [[I Timothy]], [[II Timothy]], Titus and [[Philemon]].

==Paul's direct knowledge of the life and teachings of Jesus==

==Paul's direct knowledge of the life and teachings of Jesus==

Paul as a contemporary of Jesus shows awareness of numerous things about the teachings and life of Jesus in his letters and provides a biographical outline of Jesus that parallels content in the Gospels:<ref name="cb">Craig Blomberg. 2022. Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey (Third Edition). B&H Academic. ISBN 9781087753157. pages 601-605</ref>     

Paul, as a contemporary of Jesus, shows awareness of numerous things about the teachings and life of Jesus in his letters and provides a biographical outline of Jesus that parallels content in the Gospels:<ref name="cb">Craig Blomberg. 2022. Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey (Third Edition). B&H Academic. ISBN 9781087753157. pages 601-605</ref>     

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left"

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left"

|  Jesus descended from Abraham and David "according to the flesh" || General Knowledge || Galatians 3:14-16 and Romans 1:3

|  Jesus descended from Abraham and David "according to the flesh" || General Knowledge || Galatians 3:14-16 and Romans 1:3

|-

|-

|  Jesus was born of a women on Earth under the Jewish law || General Knowledge || Galatians 4:4-5

|  Jesus was born of a woman on Earth under the Jewish law || General Knowledge || Galatians 4:4-5

|-

|-

|  Gathered disciples: including Cephas (Peter) and John; and having a brother named James  || General Knowledge ||  Galatians 1:18-19, 2:9-12

|  Gathered disciples: including Cephas (Peter) and John; and having a brother named James  || General Knowledge ||  Galatians 1:18-19, 2:9-12

|-

|-

|  Had an impeccable character, lived and exemplary life, was poor, became a servant to the circumcised (Jews) || General Knowledge || Philippians 2:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 15:3,8

|  Had an impeccable character, lived an exemplary life, was poor, became a servant to the circumcised (Jews) || General Knowledge || Philippians 2:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 15:3,8

|-

|-

|  Paul describes God as "Abba" just like Jesus described God as "Abba" || Mark 14:36  || Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:15   

|  Paul describes God as "Abba" just like Jesus described God as "Abba" || Mark 14:36  || Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:15   

The Apostle Paul experienced great hardship and persecution for his faith, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks, yet his zeal never wavered.<ref>[https://soundteaching.org/2010/02/06/pauls-example-a-zealous-life/ Paul’s Example: A Zealous Life]</ref><ref>[https://www.feedthehunger.org/having-the-zeal-of-paul/ Having the zeal of Paul]</ref><ref>[https://www.ucg.org/learn/bible-study-aids/what-does-bible-teach-about-grace/what-does-bible-teach-about-grace/apostle The Apostle Paul: An Example of God’s Grace in Action]</ref>  

The Apostle Paul experienced great hardship and persecution for his faith, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks, yet his zeal never wavered.<ref>[https://soundteaching.org/2010/02/06/pauls-example-a-zealous-life/ Paul’s Example: A Zealous Life]</ref><ref>[https://www.feedthehunger.org/having-the-zeal-of-paul/ Having the zeal of Paul]</ref><ref>[https://www.ucg.org/learn/bible-study-aids/what-does-bible-teach-about-grace/what-does-bible-teach-about-grace/apostle The Apostle Paul: An Example of God’s Grace in Action]</ref>  

"Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the [[grace]] of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them - though it was not I but the grace of God that is with me." - Apostle Paul, the hardest working apostle of Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15: 8-10 (NRSV)

"Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the [[grace]] of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them - though it was not I but the grace of God that is with me." - Apostle Paul, the hardest working apostle of Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 (NRSV)

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." - Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NASB)

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." - Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NASB)

During the last years he intended to visit Spain (Romans 15:24), Lycus, Laodicea, Collusus and Hierapolis. He also went to Crete, Ephesus and Macedonia.  

During the last years he intended to visit Spain (Romans 15:24), Lycus, Laodicea, Collusus and Hierapolis. He also went to Crete, Ephesus and Macedonia.  

Saint Paul was arrested (Acts 21:27- 28:31); he was accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple. Paul appealed to Caesar (his right as a citizen) and he was sent to Rome for a Roman trial. The Biblical account leaves off before the trial takes place. St. Paul was brought to Rome, but [[Nero]] was the Emperor and after the Rome fire where he blamed the Christians to deflect attention from himself, he was an ardent persecutor of the Christians, killing many.  St. Paul was [[martyr]]ed near Rome at the Aquae Silviae. St. Dionysios the Corinthian says that St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred at “about the same time.” There is an indication that St. Paul may have lost most or all of his eyesight in his final years, perhaps due to cataracts or another age-induced condition.  ''See'' {{bibleref|Galatians|4|15}} It is believed that St. Paul died aged 68 having served the Lord for some 35 years.<ref>[http://www.churchsaints.btinternet.co.uk/stpaul/stpaul.htm St. Paul]</ref>

Saint Paul was arrested (Acts 21:27-28:31); he was accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple. Paul appealed to Caesar (his right as a citizen) and he was sent to Rome for a Roman trial. The Biblical account leaves off before the trial takes place. St. Paul was brought to Rome, but [[Nero]] was the Emperor, and after the fire in [[Rome]], where he blamed the Christians to deflect attention from himself, he was an ardent persecutor of the Christians, killing many.  St. Paul was [[martyr]]ed near Rome at the Aquae Silviae. St. Dionysios the Corinthian says that St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred at “about the same time.” There is an indication that St. Paul may have lost most or all of his eyesight in his final years, perhaps due to cataracts or another age-induced condition.  ''See'' {{bibleref|Galatians|4|15}} It is believed that St. Paul died aged 68, having served the Lord for some 35 years.<ref>[http://www.churchsaints.btinternet.co.uk/stpaul/stpaul.htm St. Paul]</ref>

St. Paul was a profound religious thinker; he has had an important formative influence in the development of Christianity.

St. Paul was a profound religious thinker; he had an important formative influence in the development of Christianity.

== Iconography ==

== Iconography ==