Apostle Paul (CA. 2–67 CE)

Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was the early Christian leader who is often considered to be the person responsible for making Christianity a world religion rather than a small sect of Judaism. Paul was born between 2 and 10 CE in Tarsus, a city located near the Mediterranean coast in what is today the country of Turkey. His Hebrew name was Saul, but on his conversion to Christianity, he took on the Roman name Paul. During his day, Tarsus served as the capital of Asia Minor, and its territory was considered free; thus, Saul was born a free man. Paul had a Pharisaic family origin. The Pharisees’ school of thought was characterized by rigid obedience to Mosaic Law (the law given to Moses by God and, ...