Top 20 Facts about St. Paul

Top 20 Facts about St. Paul

Originally published by Christine M in March 2020 Updated by Charity K in August 2022 Updated by Vanessa R. in June 2023 and Updated by Nellian in March 2024.

Also known as Paul the Apostle, St. Paul is one of the greatest writers and teachers of God’s word in the history of Christianity. The Irony is, that he used to persecute Christians. St. Paul was called Saul or Sh’aul and was born to Roman parents in Tarsus town Cicilia. He attended Bible School in Jerusalem from an early age, then studied under a famous rabbi, and became an expert of the law.

St. Paul became famous and he worked with the Jewish authorities who had him actively pursue and persecute members of a news sect that confessed Jesus Christ of Nazareth was the Messiah. The sect also proclaimed that God’s kingdom was at hand.

Moreover, it is on one such trip to persecute this sect on the road to Damascus that St. Paul had a supernatural encounter and was converted to the same Christian sect he was persecuting! Paul was struck blind for three days. He regained his sight after a Christian, Ananias prayed for him. He then got baptized.

St. Paul is credited with writing about 13 to 14 out of the 27 books in the New Testament.

Here are some top 20 facts about St. Paul.

1. St. Paul was the most popular apostle in the early church

St. Paul the Apostle- Wikimedia Commons

St. Paul moved from persecuting Christians to converting non-Christians to Christianity. The ultimate 180-degree change. He had been educated in Jerusalem under the famous Jewish teacher Gamaliel. He, therefore, could connect with both Jews and Christians and be known by many.

2. St. Paul was both a Jew and a Roman citizen

Ancient Romans- byAlbert Kretschmer- Wikimedia Commons

St. Paul was born in Tarsus. His birthplace was a major city in eastern Cilicia, a region that was turned over to be part of the Roman province of Syria. On the other hand, he had Greek-speaking Jewish roots.

St. Paul’s peculiar position helped him address both the Jews and Romans, who accepted him as one of their own. He, therefore, was able to penetrate areas with the gospel, which might have been difficult for other people otherwise.

3. St. Paul was not a disciple of Jesus

Jesus and his Disciples- by Dorotheum- Wikimedia Commons

With his fervor for the Christian gospel, it may be assumed that St. Paul was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. St. Paul, however, was not a disciple nor did he meet Jesus. He, however, interacted with many of Jesus’ disciples particularly while in Jerusalem. St. Paul is said to have persecuted some of these very disciples!

4. He encountered an assassination attempt

Wall in Damascus- by Heretiq- Wikimedia Commons

Soon after his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul became quite a sensation. He became more powerful and baffled the Jews in Damascus by proving that Jesus was Christ. This made the Jews conspire to kill him. They waited to execute their evil plan day and night.

However, Paul had learned of this plan- his followers and Jesus’ disciples helped him escape through the wall in a large basket.

5. St. Paul was seen as a messiah to his people

Jews and Gentiles had many differences and each stuck to their ‘side’. Paul was believed to be a Messiah to his chosen people when he started preaching, especially by the Jewish followers. Paul however preached to the non-Jews as well, also known as Gentiles.

He wanted to show that God meant salvation for everyone, including Gentiles. He attempted to break the divide.

6. St. Paul was a practical teacher and writer

St. Paul preaching in Athens- Wikimedia Commons

A good teacher gives an example that students can relate to. St. Paul used his knowledge of Stoic philosophy, even in his letters to bring understanding. He used Stoic terms and metaphors to help new Gentile Christians to understand God’s word.

Stoic philosophy maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions, and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character.

7. St. Paul preached salvation through Jesus

St. John Statue at the Vatican- by AngMoKio- Wikimedia Commons

St. Paul, like many Christian teachers, was a proponent of Jesus being the redemption of people from their sins, by dying on the cross. Jesus made peace with God, on behalf of a man who would have otherwise been punished for their sin by God.

Jesus was a new ‘phenomenon’ to the Jews and Gentiles alike. The law was supreme in St. Paul’s era.

8. St. Paul was a tentmaker

St. Paul learned and enjoyed working with his own hands. He learned how to make and sell tents from the time he was a child and into his youth. He still practiced this even after converting to Christianity and starting to teach.

St. Paul kept his leather-working tools with him as he traveled and set up shop anywhere.

Modern-day preachers with no source of alternative income besides the church have sometimes been asked to emulate St. Paul; Paul’s ability to make tents and also preach has come up in discourses about full-time Christian ministry.

9. St. Paul’s epistles transcended denominations

../ St. Paul writing his epistles- by https://www.mfah.org/art/detail/20223- Wikimedia Commons

You will find St. Paul’s epistles or letters referred to in the Catholic Church, Protestant denominations, and Orthodox Church. They give the basis for many issues that Christians face in their faith, no matter the denomination- they are vital roots of the theology, worship, and pastoral life in these churches.

10. St. Paul influenced Martin Luther

Throughout St. Paul’s teachings in his epistles, he emphasizes that people are saved by faith and not by works- no one can ‘buy’ salvation by any good works that they do.

Martin Luther also borrows from this when he puts forward his Sola Fide doctrine emphasizing that it’s only through faith that the Church stands or falls.

The Sola Fide doctrine underlines that God’s forgiveness for guilty sinners is given and received through faith alone, not because of any good deeds.

St. Paul was one of the first-generation leaders of the Christian faith. He is considered of utmost importance right after Jesus- he enabled and accelerated the growth of Christianity among the Gentiles. His epistles explain and simplify aspects of Christianity such as the relationship between God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the relationship between the human and holy nature.

He died in Rome Italy, by decapitation, martyred for his faith. This happened in Rome where he had been imprisoned.

11. He participated in the persecution of the early disciples of Jesus

Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia 

According to the New Testament book Acts of the Apostles, Paul was a Pharisee. He participated in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, possibly Hellenised diaspora Jews who converted to Christianity, in the area of Jerusalem, before his conversion.

Sometimes after having approved of the execution of Stephen, Paul traveled on the road to Damascus so that he might find any Christians there and bring them “bound to Jerusalem” (ESV). 

At midday, a light brighter than the sun shone around both him and those with him, causing all to fall to the ground, with the risen Christ verbally addressing Paul regarding his persecution. 

Having been made blind, along with being commanded to enter the city, his sight was restored three days later by Ananias of Damascus.

After these events, Paul was baptized, beginning immediately to proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth was the Jewish Messiah and the Son of God. Approximately half of the content in the Book of Acts details the life and works of Paul.

12. The New Testament has about 14 books attributed to Paul

Photo by Wikimedia Commons – Wikimedia 

Fourteen of the 27 books in the New Testament have traditionally been attributed to Paul. Seven of Paul’s epistles are undisputed by scholars as being authentic, with varying degrees of argument about the remainder.

13. Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrews is not asserted

Paul’s authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews is not asserted in the Epistle itself and was already doubted in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. 

Furthermore, it was unquestioningly accepted from the 5th to the 16th centuries that Paul was the author of Hebrews, but that view is now a matter of debate among scholars.

The other six books are believed by some scholars to have come from followers writing in his name, using material from Paul’s surviving letters and letters written by him that no longer survive. Other scholars argue that the idea of a pseudonymous author for the disputed epistles raises many problems.

14. St. Paul’s source of information

The main source of information about Paul’s life is the material found in his epistles and in the Acts of the Apostles. However, the epistles contain little information about Paul’s pre-conversion past.

15. Some information about St. Paul’s life is not recorded

The Acts of the Apostles recounts more information but leaves several parts of Paul’s life out of its narrative, such as his probable but undocumented execution in Rome. 

The Acts of the Apostles also contradict Paul’s epistles on multiple accounts, in particular concerning the frequency of Paul’s visits to the church in Jerusalem.

16. Paul spent some time in Arabia

Bartolomeo Montagna, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

My version of events is that Paul saw Jesus on a dirt road, fasted for three days in Damascus, regained his sight, and immediately began serving the Gentiles. He never looked back. A more thorough reading of the Bible, however, reveals a slightly different narrative.

Paul claimed he “went right into Arabia” in his epistle to the Galatians. It took him three years before he went back to Jerusalem. What did Paul do while he was in Arabia all this time? According to many scholars, Paul may have used this as a period of spiritual reflection, trying to make sense of everything he had learned from the Old Testament texts in light of his newfound relationship with Christ. Paul was able to concentrate on ministry planning and fully experience the truth of his Saviour in Arabia.

17. Paul’s nephew saved his life

40 Jewish men swore under oath not to eat or drink anything until they killed Paul after he was captured by a Roman commander in Jerusalem. By asking the Roman commander to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin for questioning, the Jewish authorities agreed to assist them.

During the transfer, the assassins intended to assassinate Paul. However, after learning about the conspiracy, Paul’s sister’s son informed him at the Roman barracks. When Paul notified a centurion, the Roman commander gave the order to have a guard detachment of about 500 men take Paul to Caesarea during the night.

18. Paul went through life-threatening situations

Paul experienced hardships and persecution throughout his lifetime to advance Christ. He suffered abuse such as being stoned, assaulted, jailed, shipwrecked, and betrayed. 

Besides, he often skipped meals, sleep, and shelter. He also felt alone while incarcerated in Rome because he had no one to help or defend him. For the sake of the world, Demas deserted him. He suffered “great harm” at the hands of Alexander.

19. God gave Paul a glimpse of heaven before his death

Guercino, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While Paul was still a young Christian, probably during his time of spiritual solitude in Arabia, God offered him a glimpse of heaven. Paul was not sure if he had been transferred physically or if he had simply been there in spirit. In contrast, he witnessed and heard “inexpressible things.” The natural sinful reaction to such an experience would be pride, but God’s servant is not one to display pride or conceit. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” served as the “something God allowed into his life to foster humility.”

20. Saul remains to be his name

In the biblical story of Paul’s first missionary journey, Luke writes: “Then Saul, who was also called Paul…” Luke now refers to the apostle simply as “Paul” throughout the rest of the passage.

This transition, contrary to what has often been claimed, is the result of Paul consciously choosing to continue using the name he already had. Paul got three names at birth because he was a citizen of Rome. The third option—Paul’s Latin name—is better suited to the largely Roman setting. “Saul the Pharisee” opted to use the name “Paul, a citizen of Rome.”

20 Complex St. Paul’s Teachings Explained

1. St. Paul’s teaching on the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Photo by Thomas Schütze on Unsplash

Paul taught that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected, proving He was the Son of God. “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Moreover, Paul stressed that Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope for eternal life and demonstrates His power over death. As the cornerstone of the Christian faith, the resurrection is central to Paul’s preaching.

Also, Paul emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection was a real, historical event, witnessed by many people, that authenticated Jesus’ claims about Himself and paved the way for our future resurrection.

2. St. Paul taught that salvation is by grace through faith

We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ, not by good works. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Thus, our salvation comes from what Christ did on the cross, not what we do. Paul stresses that we cannot earn salvation – it must be received as a gift of God’s grace. Paul was adamant that salvation cannot be achieved by human effort or moral striving.  Hence he taught that forgiveness of sins and eternal life only come as God’s gift, received when we place our trust in what Jesus accomplished for us.

3. St. Paul taught about the unity in Christ

Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

In Christ, divisions disappear and we become one body. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Subsequently, outward differences don’t matter when we share the bond of Christ. As Paul explains, worldly distinctions vanish in light of the unity all believers have through faith in Jesus.

Paul proclaimed that the divisions between people are irrelevant when it comes to salvation. Race, social status, and gender make no difference – what matters is being united in Christ. This radical message overturned ancient prejudices.

4. Paul’s teaching on freedom from the law

Through faith in Christ, we are free from the Old Testament law. “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Galatians 3:24-25).

Thus, keeping the law cannot save us. Paul contends that Christians are not required to follow the ritual and ceremonial laws found in the Old Testament. Paul taught that Christians are not obligated to obey the hundreds of detailed laws in the Old Testament regarding diet, sacrifices, rituals, etc. He said the law brought condemnation, but faith in Christ brought freedom and forgiveness.

5. The fruit of the Spirit was part of St. Paul’s teachings

Photo by Caleb Gregory on Unsplash

God’s Spirit produces good fruit in the believer like love, joy, and peace. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit transforms us to be more Christ-like.

Moreover, as Paul explains, when we yield to the Spirit, He cultivates His fruit in our lives, gradually making us more like Jesus. Paul described the inner transformation that the Holy Spirit brings about in a believer’s character and conduct. As we submit to the Spirit’s control, He produces positive virtues such as love, joy, and peace in our lives in increasing measure.

6. St. Paul gave lessons on living by the Spirit

Christians are called to live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). The Spirit convicts, teaches and empowers us to obey God. Walking in the Spirit means submitting to His leading in our daily lives, and depending on Him for strength and direction.

Additionally, Paul taught that believers must follow the promptings and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are to prayerfully seek the Spirit’s guidance and yield ourselves to His sovereignty in making daily decisions and cultivating Christlike virtues.

7. The teaching about freedom from sin’s grasp by St. Paul

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Sin no longer has power over the believer’s life. “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). God’s grace enables us to resist sin. Though Christians still struggle with sin, Paul teaches that it need not enslave us anymore because of Christ’s deliverance.

What’s more, Paul assured believers that even though we sometimes stumble, sin is dethroned from its position of domination and control over our lives. Through God’s grace and the Spirit’s help, we can choose to live in righteousness rather than giving in to sinful compulsions.

8. Paul’s teaching on being transformed by Christ

God is at work transforming believers into Christ’s image. “But we all…are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Our goal is to become more like Jesus. The Spirit moves us toward maturity in Christ-likeness through an ongoing process of renewal. According to Paul, the Holy Spirit is continually shaping believers to reflect Jesus’ character more fully. This lifelong process of sanctification peels away ungodly traits and molds us into His likeness.

9. The teaching on God’s sovereign choice

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

God chooses and calls believers for salvation. “God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

Thus, salvation depends fully on God’s grace. Paul emphasizes God’s sovereignty – He has chosen us and ensures our salvation despite our shortcomings.

Furthermore, Paul stressed that God is completely sovereign in salvation. According to His eternal plan, He selects people to be saved by grace through faith alone. This demolishes any human boasting.

10. St. Paul taught that the Body of Christ is one

The church is one body made of different parts united in Christ. “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). Unity, not uniformity, should mark the church.

As Paul explains, the church functions like a body, with many diverse members working harmoniously. Paul used the human body metaphor to illustrate the church’s interdependent unity. Though having different gifts and functions, believers comprise one organic whole – the Body of Christ.

11. Paul’s teaching on marriage roles

Photo by Photos by Lanty on Unsplash

Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Wives should submit to their husbands out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:22).

Better still, Paul describes proper roles for husbands and wives: men are to sacrificially lead, and women to respectfully follow. According to Paul, marriage relationships mirror Christ and the church – husbands exercise care and authority while wives voluntarily submit in the fear of the Lord. Both roles require humility, love, and service.

12. The message on governing authorities

God establishes earthly rulers, who are His servants. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1). We should submit unless rulers directly contradict God. Paul calls Christians to cooperate with the government, which derives its authority from God.

Moreover, Paul taught that since God institutes all governing authorities, believers should generally submit to civil laws and pay taxes. Christians respectfully disobey only if governments require something opposed to God’s Word. Even corrupt rulers are used by God to keep order.

13. St. Paul’s lesson on giving cheerfully

Photo by Katt Yukawa on Unsplash

Believers should give cheerfully, not grudgingly. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God can bless generous, joyful giving. We honor God through freely and enthusiastically supporting His work, Paul explains.

On top of that, according to Paul, Christians should financially support the church and those in need with a spirit of eagerness and generosity. God is pleased when we joyfully share our resources to advance His kingdom without covetousness or compulsion.

14. The lesson on renewing the inner self

Though our physical bodies decay, our inner selves can be renewed daily. “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). God renews our hearts to be more like Christ.

Thus, despite aging, Paul says the Spirit remakes us inwardly, restoring our soul and spirit. Paul taught that while our exterior, earthly self diminishes, the eternal, immaterial part of us is continuously refreshed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Our inner self is revived with ever-increasing glory.

15. Paul taught about pressing toward the goal

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

We must continually press on toward the goal of being like Christ. “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Salvation is a lifelong process. Paul exhorts believers to persevere in pursuing Christ-likeness, not considering themselves to have arrived.

To add on, according to Paul, spiritual growth requires great effort and discipline to keep advancing toward maturity in Christ. We must keep striving ahead rather than becoming complacent and self-satisfied.

16. The teaching on boasting only in the cross

Paul boasted only about Christ’s sacrifice, not human effort. “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). The cross, not human achievement, saves us.

As Paul declares, we have no grounds for pride – our only boast is the cross where Jesus died to save us. Paul adamantly rejected any personal merit and affirmed that the only thing worth boasting about was Jesus’ atoning death. No human accomplishment or pedigree matters – Christ’s sacrifice is the sole basis for salvation.

17. The teaching about imitating Paul’s example

Paul urges believers to imitate his faith in Christ. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Mature believers should model obedience for newer Christians. Since he follows Jesus, Paul encourages others to copy his life of sacrificial service to Christ.

Besides, Paul challenged believers to follow his example of unwavering commitment and obedience to Christ. He had surrendered wholly to Jesus’ lordship, so he could mentor others in the faith.

18. St. Paul’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper

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The bread and wine remember Christ’s body and blood given for us. “The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread…In the same manner He also took the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

We proclaim Christ’s death by taking Communion. Paul passed on Jesus’ instructions for observing the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His death.

Additionally, Paul explained that Christians partake of the Lord’s Supper to commemorate and proclaim Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf. By eating the bread and drinking the cup, we ponder anew His body broken and blood poured out to purchase our salvation.

19. Paul the Apostle taught on the resurrection body

Our lowly bodies will be raised and transformed like Christ’s. “It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44). Christ’s resurrection ensures we too will have resurrection bodies.

As Paul explains, when Jesus returns, He will transform our perishable bodies to be like His imperishable, glorified body. Paul taught that when Christ comes again, the bodies of believers who have died will be resurrected and radically changed to be eternal, powerful, and incorruptible like Jesus’ own glorified, resurrected body. This is an encouragement and source of comfort for Christians.

20. The message on the blessing of persecution

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Persecution produces endurance and character. “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Hardships make us spiritually stronger.

For Paul, adversity shapes our faith – as we endure, we cultivate Christ-like maturity. Paul encouraged believers undergoing persecution that their difficulties produce positive results like patience, proven character, and hope. Though painful for a time, trials strengthen our faith.

Here are extra Complex St. Paul’s Teachings Explained.

21. St. Paul’s teaching on the return of Christ

At the last trumpet, the dead will be raised. “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout…and the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Christ will return to make all things new.

Thus, Paul teaches that when Jesus comes again, He will resurrect believers and usher in a renewed, perfect creation. Paul promised that Christ would visibly return from heaven, raise the righteous dead, gather living believers, defeat evil, and rule over a restored world full of righteousness and peace.

22. The teaching about the righteous judgment by St. Paul

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On judgment day, God will judge all people’s secrets. “God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16). No one will escape God’s perfect justice. As Paul makes clear, we will each stand before God to give account. He will judge every hidden thing.

Furthermore, Paul stressed that God will justly judge every human life, even exposing secret sins. No wrongs will be overlooked. But those who embrace Christ’s sacrifice will be declared righteous.

Paul’s adventurous life and extensive writings fundamentally shaped Christianity, glorifying Christ as the risen Savior for all. Though sometimes controversial, he clung to God’s grace, urging believers to share the gospel. His teachings reveal profound truths that dismantle wrong beliefs and unite all in Christ. Despite the suffering, the Spirit transforms lives to bear fruit and hope until Christ’s return makes all things new under righteous judgment. Paul’s complex teachings anchor us to truth and compel living for the gospel.