Saint1st century · Feast June 29
Also known as Paul of Tarsus, Saul of Tarsus, Saint Paul
A zealous persecutor transformed by Christ into a missionary whose journeys and letters helped carry the Gospel across the Mediterranean world.
Saul of Tarsus was educated in Jewish tradition and initially persecuted followers of Jesus. After a decisive encounter with the risen Christ, he became Paul, a tireless missionary to Jews and Gentiles. His letters reveal a life shaped by grace, hardship, friendship, argument, perseverance and hope.
Paul travelled through the interconnected cities of the Roman Empire as the early Church discerned how Gentiles could fully enter Christian life.
Radical conversion, dependence on grace, missionary courage and a life centred on Christ.
Paul speaks to people making a major moral change, rebuilding identity after harmful choices or feeling called to carry faith across cultures.
People turn to St Paul the Apostle in matters of:
God of grace, through St Paul’s intercession transform our zeal, heal our past and send us wherever your love is needed. Amen.
c. 30–36
Encounters the risen Christ near Damascus and is baptised
c. 40s–50s
Undertakes missionary journeys across the eastern Mediterranean
c. 50s
Writes letters to Christian communities
c. 64–67
Is martyred in Rome
Source-quality status: unverified prototype