Saint Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, stands as one of the most influential figures in Christian history. His transformation from a zealous persecutor of early Christians to the Apostle to the Gentiles shaped the spread of the faith across the Roman Empire. Today, his name adorns cathedrals, schools, and cities worldwide, and his writings continue to define Christian theology.
Born around 5 CE in Tarsus, a city in modern-day Turkey, Paul was a Jewish Pharisee and a Roman citizen. He received rigorous training under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem and was fluent in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. His early life as a tentmaker and his fierce opposition to the Christian movement set the stage for a dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus that would change his life and the course of history.
Paul’s legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. He authored 13 epistles that form a substantial portion of the New Testament, and his missionary journeys took him across Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. He is venerated as a saint in Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions, with a feast day on June 29 shared with Saint Peter.
Who Was St Paul? A Biography of the Apostle
Identity
St Paul the Apostle, born Saul of Tarsus, lived approximately 5–64/65 CE.
Significance
Author of 13 New Testament books, missionary to the Gentiles, and patron saint of many.
Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral in London is one of the most famous churches named after him.
Feast Day
June 29 (with Saint Peter), and January 25 for his Conversion.
Key Insights
- St Paul’s conversion from persecutor to apostle is a central narrative of early Christianity.
- He is considered the most important figure after Jesus in spreading the faith.
- His epistles form a large part of the New Testament and shape Christian theology.
- St Paul’s Cathedral is a major tourist attraction and hosts national events and live streams.
- The name ‘St Paul’ is also used for a city in Minnesota, USA, but that is not covered in this content.
Quick Facts About St Paul
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Saul of Tarsus, later Paul |
| Born | c. 5 CE, Tarsus (modern Turkey) |
| Died | c. 64/65 CE, Rome (martyrdom by beheading) |
| Feast day | June 29 (with Saint Peter); Conversion on January 25 |
| Patron saint of | Missionaries, evangelists, writers, journalists, theologians, tentmakers |
| Symbols | Sword, book, scroll |
| Major works | 13 epistles (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, etc.) |
What Is St Paul the Patron Saint Of?
Paul is widely recognized as the patron saint of missionaries, evangelists, writers, journalists, theologians, and tentmakers. According to Britannica and Catholic.org, his patronage extends to public workers, rope and saddle makers, and journalists. This broad range reflects his own life as a tentmaker, a writer of letters, and a tireless missionary.
Why Is He the Patron Saint of Missionaries?
Paul’s three missionary journeys, documented in the Acts of the Apostles, took him across the Mediterranean world. He preached to both Jews and Gentiles, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Corinth, and Ephesus. His designation as the “Apostle of the Nations” underscores his role in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
What Are St Paul’s Symbols?
Paul is often depicted with a sword, representing both his martyrdom by beheading and the “sword of the Spirit” mentioned in Ephesians 6:17. He also holds a book or scroll, referencing his epistles.
The Church celebrates Paul on June 29 (with Peter) and on January 25 for his Conversion. These dates are widely observed in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions.
Where Is St Paul’s Cathedral and How Can I Visit or Watch Live?
St Paul’s Cathedral is located in London, England, on Ludgate Hill. The current building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666, stands on a site that has housed a church since AD 604. It is one of the most recognized landmarks in the city and serves as the seat of the Bishop of London.
How Can I Watch St Paul’s Cathedral Live Stream?
The cathedral offers a live stream of its services, including daily prayers, Eucharist, and special events. The official St Paul’s Cathedral website provides a schedule and direct link to the live stream. Visitors can also attend in person; the cathedral is open for worship, sightseeing, and events.
What Is St Paul London?
The term “St Paul London” usually refers to St Paul’s Cathedral or the surrounding area. It is a major transport hub and a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.
What Is St Paul School?
Many schools are named after St Paul, the most famous being St Paul’s School in London (for boys) and St Paul’s Girls’ School. These institutions are independent and academically selective.
St Paul’s Cathedral welcomes visitors daily. Tickets can be purchased online. The cathedral also hosts concerts, lectures, and national services. Check the official site for current opening times.
What Is the Timeline of St Paul’s Life?
Paul’s life is marked by several key events, though exact dates are approximate. The following timeline is based on scholarly consensus and biblical accounts.
- c. 5 CE: Born in Tarsus as Saul. Wikipedia
- c. 30–35 CE: Persecutor of Christians, present at the stoning of Stephen. SPAOC
- c. 35 CE: Conversion on the road to Damascus. Britannica
- c. 46–48 CE: First missionary journey with Barnabas.
- c. 49–52 CE: Second missionary journey.
- c. 53–57 CE: Third missionary journey.
- c. 57–60 CE: Imprisonment in Caesarea.
- c. 60–62 CE: Voyage to Rome, house arrest.
- c. 64–65 CE: Martyrdom in Rome by beheading.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About St Paul’s Life?
While Paul is a well-documented historical figure, some details of his life are debated among scholars.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Paul was a historical figure, author of multiple New Testament letters. | Exact year of birth (c. 5 CE is an estimate). |
| He was a Roman citizen from Tarsus. | Exact year of death (64 or 65 CE are most common). |
| He was martyred in Rome under Nero. | Some details of his travels (order of events). |
| His conversion is recorded in Acts and his own letters. | Whether he wrote all 13 letters attributed to him (Hebrews authorship debated). |
The dates of Paul’s birth and death are not recorded in any primary source. Scholars rely on contextual clues from his letters and the Book of Acts, leading to a range of plausible estimates.
What Is St Paul’s Impact and Legacy?
Paul’s theology of justification by faith became a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation. His missionary work spread Christianity beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles, establishing the faith as a universal religion. St Paul’s Cathedral in London, built on the site of a former Roman temple, remains a symbol of resilience and faith. The term “St Paul” in a search may refer to the person, the cathedral, or other locations, but his influence on Western civilization is undeniable.
What Are the Key Quotes and Sources About St Paul?
Paul’s own letters contain some of the most famous passages in the Bible. Two of the most quoted verses are:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
For biographical facts, authoritative sources include Wikipedia, Britannica, and Catholic.org. For visitor information on the cathedral, the official St Paul’s Cathedral website is the primary source. The text of Paul’s letters can be found at Bible Gateway.
What More Can You Learn About St Paul?
For those interested in exploring further, the full biography of St Paul is available on Britannica. Reading the Pauline epistles in the Bible provides direct insight into his teachings. A visit to St Paul’s Cathedral in London, or watching its live stream, offers a tangible connection to his legacy. Other saints named Paul, such as St Paul of the Cross, also have rich histories worth discovering.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Paul
Is St Paul the same as Saint Paul, Minnesota?
No, St Paul (the apostle) is a historical figure. Saint Paul, Minnesota is a city named after him.
What is the difference between St Paul and St Peter?
Peter was the first pope and leader of the apostles; Paul was a missionary and writer. Their feast day is shared on June 29.
Why is St Paul often shown with a sword?
The sword symbolizes his martyrdom by beheading and also the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17).
St Paul School – which one?
There are many schools named St Paul’s. The most famous is St Paul’s School in London (for boys), but others exist worldwide.
St Paul Church – is there a specific one?
Many churches are dedicated to St Paul. The most famous is St Paul’s Cathedral in London. St Paul’s Church in New York City is also notable.
St Paul London – what does it refer to?
Usually refers to St Paul’s Cathedral in London, but can also refer to the area around it.
How many letters did St Paul write?
Thirteen epistles in the New Testament are traditionally attributed to Paul, though authorship of Hebrews is debated.
What was St Paul’s profession?
He was a tentmaker (or curtain weaver) and used this trade to support his missionary work.
Is St Paul also known as Saul?
Yes, he was originally named Saul and later called Paul after his conversion.
What is the conversion of St Paul?
It refers to his encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, which led to his baptism and mission to the Gentiles.
Daniel Okafor is Markets Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, covering financial markets, the FTSE, shares, currencies, commodities and investor news.