Paul (Saul of Tarsus)

Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was transformed from a zealous persecutor of the early church into its most influential missionary and theologian. After a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus road, Paul dedicated his life to spreading the gospel throughout the Roman world, establishing churches across Asia Minor and Europe. His missionary journeys, imprisonments, and letters (which comprise almost half of the New Testament) profoundly shaped Christian theology and practice. As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul articulated how Christ's death and resurrection offer salvation to all people through faith, not works of the law.