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Person

Paul

Former persecutor called by the risen Jesus to carry the gospel across the Roman world and explain its implications in his letters.

apostle to the nations15 Bible books39 chapters159 verse appearancesAlso known as: Saul, Saul of Tarsus

Who is this?

from trained under who approves of 's stoning and ravages the church until the risen confronts him on the road to . After his baptism by Ananias he is sent out from with and undertakes three missionary journeys that plant churches across Minor and Greece. He defends the gospel at the council, appeals to after years of custody in , and reaches under guard. Thirteen New Testament letters bear his name.

The story

  1. Moment 1

    Persecutes the church

    Known first as Saul, Paul approves Stephen's death and tries to destroy the Jerusalem church.

  2. Moment 2

    Encounters Jesus near Damascus

    The risen Jesus confronts Saul on the road, overturning his mission and calling him to bear Jesus' name before the nations.

  3. Moment 3

    Sent from Antioch

    The Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul, and the church sends them on the mission that opens Acts toward the wider Mediterranean world.

  4. Moment 4

    Defends Gentile inclusion

    Paul and Barnabas testify at the Jerusalem council as the church recognizes God's work among Gentiles without requiring circumcision.

  5. Moment 5

    Called into Macedonia

    A night vision turns Paul's company westward, and Lydia's household becomes the beginning of the Philippian church.

  6. Moment 6

    Teaches in Ephesus

    Paul's sustained teaching in Ephesus becomes the center of a mission through which the word spreads across the province of Asia.

  7. Moment 7

    Witnesses in Rome

    Acts closes with Paul under guard yet freely proclaiming God's kingdom in the imperial capital.

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Where this appears in Scripture

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All appearances159