Here’s a comprehensive profile of Apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), covering everything you need to know about his background, conversion, ministry, writings, miracles, achievements, and martyrdom, just like the format used for Apostle Peter.
FULL PROFILE OF APOSTLE PAUL
Full Name
- Hebrew Name: Shaul (Saul)
- Roman Name: Paulus (Paul)
📖 “Then Saul, who was also called Paul…” — Acts 13:9
Place of Birth
- Tarsus, a major city in Cilicia, modern-day Turkey
📖 “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city.” — Acts 21:39
Tribe of Israel
- Tribe of Benjamin
📖 “…of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews…” — Philippians 3:5
Education and Early Life
- Trained as a Pharisee under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the Law (Acts 22:3)
- Zealous for the Jewish law, persecuted Christians (Philippians 3:6, Acts 8:1–3)
READ MORE: 8 Miracles of Apostle Paul in the Bible
Roman Citizenship
- Born a Roman citizen, a rare privilege for Jews of his time
📖 “But I was born a citizen.” — Acts 22:28
Conversion Experience
- On the road to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light.
- Converted from persecutor to apostle
📖 Acts 9:1–19, also referenced in Acts 22 and Acts 26
Marital Status
- Unmarried or celibate
- He promoted singleness for ministry (1 Corinthians 7:7–8)
📖 “I wish that all of you were as I am.” — 1 Corinthians 7:7
Role in the Early Church
- Apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13)
- Planted numerous churches across Asia Minor and Europe
- Participated in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)
- Trained leaders like Timothy, Titus, and Silas
- Defended the gospel against false teachings (Galatians, Corinthians)
READ MORE: Apostle Peter vs Apostle Paul: Side-by-Side Comparison
Missionary Journeys
- Three Major Missionary Journeys (Acts 13–21)
- Final journey to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27–28)
Writings in the New Testament
- Authored 13 epistles (letters), and possibly Hebrews (debated)
Letters by Paul:
- Romans
- 1 & 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
Miracles Performed by Apostle Paul
- Blindness of Elymas the sorcerer – Acts 13:6–12
- Healing a lame man in Lystra – Acts 14:8–10
- Casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl – Acts 16:16–18
- Miraculous earthquake opening prison doors – Acts 16:25–26
- Healing of many through handkerchiefs and aprons – Acts 19:11–12
- Casting out evil spirits – Acts 19:13–16
- Raising Eutychus from the dead – Acts 20:9–12
- Survived a deadly viper bite – Acts 28:3–6
- Healing the father of Publius and others on Malta – Acts 28:7–9
Personality and Character
- Bold, intellectual, passionate
- Zealous both as a Pharisee and as a Christian
- Confronted Peter over hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11–14)
- Deeply devoted to Christ, often referring to himself as a “bondservant”
READ ALSO: 8 Miracles of Apostle Paul in the Bible: Signs of God’s Power in the Early Church
Achievements and Legacy
- Most prolific New Testament writer
- Took the gospel to the Gentile world
- Defended salvation by grace through faith
- Helped define Christian doctrine on justification, resurrection, spiritual gifts, love, and church unity
- Spiritual father to many early church leaders
Martyrdom
- Beheaded in Rome under Emperor Nero, around 64–68 AD
- As a Roman citizen, he was spared crucifixion
📖 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Tradition and Memorial
- Honored as Saint Paul in many Christian traditions
- The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome is believed to be his burial site
- Celebrated with St. Peter on June 29 by many churches
READ MORE: 7 Miracles of Apostle Peter in the Bible: A Powerful Legacy of Faith
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saul (Hebrew), Paul (Roman) |
| Tribe | Benjamin |
| Place of Birth | Tarsus, Cilicia |
| Citizenship | Roman |
| Occupation | Pharisee, Tentmaker, Missionary |
| Marital Status | Unmarried or celibate |
| Conversion | Encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) |
| Missionary Work | 3 major journeys, church planter across the Roman world |
| Key Role | Apostle to the Gentiles, theologian, church leader |
| Books Written | 13 epistles (Romans to Philemon) |
| Major Miracles | Healings, resurrections, deliverance, signs and wonders |
| Death | Beheaded in Rome (tradition) |
