Saint Paul: Biography of an Apostle and Martyr

Few figures in history have undergone a transformation as dramatic as Paul of Tarsus—a man who went from hunting down early Christians to becoming the most influential voice in the spread of Christianity. His letters, missionary journeys, and martyrdom shaped the faith for billions, yet the man himself remains a figure of both certainty and mystery — and this guide walks through the verified facts, the lingering questions, and the legacy of Saint Paul, drawing on historical sources and scriptural accounts.

Born: c. 5 AD, Tarsus (modern Turkey) ·
Died: c. 64/65 AD, Rome ·
Feast Day: June 29 (with Saint Peter) ·
Patronage: Missions, evangelists, writers ·
New Testament Books: 13 attributed

Five key facts, one pattern: the same man who persecuted Christians became the faith’s most prolific writer and missionary.

What is Saint Paul known for?

Foundational role in Christianity

• Paul is the most influential early interpreter of Jesus’ teachings, shaping Christian theology through his letters (Britannica, authoritative encyclopedia).
• He wrote 13 of the 27 New Testament books, though scholars debate the authorship of Hebrews, Ephesians, Colossians, and 2 Thessalonians (Wikipedia, community encyclopedia).
• His missionary work established Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe, covering over 10,000 miles (Britannica).

Authorship of New Testament letters

• Seven letters are universally accepted as authentic: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon.
• The remaining six—Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus—are attributed to Paul but may have been written by followers (Britannica).
• These letters were written to specific churches or individuals, addressing real problems in early Christian communities.

Missionary journeys across the Mediterranean

• Paul’s first missionary journey (c. 48–49 AD) took him to Cyprus and Galatia (BYU Religious Studies Center, academic source).
• His second journey (c. 50–52 AD) reached Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth.
• The third journey (c. 53–57 AD) focused on Ephesus and revisited earlier churches.

Bottom line: Paul’s missionary work planted Christianity across the Roman world. For historians, his letters are the earliest Christian documents. For believers, he is the apostle who brought the gospel to non-Jews.

What are 5 facts about Paul?

Born in Tarsus as a Roman citizen

• Paul was born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) and inherited Roman citizenship by birth (St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, Orthodox authority).
• His Jewish name was Saul; his Roman name Paul.
• He was educated under Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee teacher (Britannica).

Originally persecuted Christians

• Before his conversion, Paul actively persecuted the early church, approving the stoning of Stephen (Britannica).
• He was a zealous Pharisee who saw Christianity as a threat.

Conversion on the road to Damascus

• Around c. 33–36 AD, Paul experienced a vision of the risen Christ while traveling to Damascus (BYU Religious Studies Center).
• This event is described in Acts 9 and is commemorated on January 25 in the Roman Catholic Church (Britannica).

Three missionary journeys documented in Acts

• Acts of the Apostles records three major missionary journeys spanning c. 46–57 AD.
• Paul traveled through Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and sailed to Rome.

Martyred in Rome under Nero

• Paul was beheaded in Rome during Nero’s persecution, likely c. 64/65 AD (St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church).
• According to FOCUS, Catholic apostolate, the date is sometimes given as 67 AD.
• As a Roman citizen, he was granted the privilege of beheading rather than crucifixion.

Bottom line: Paul’s biography is a study in contrast—a persecutor turned preacher, a Roman citizen who died for a Jewish messiah. His Roman citizenship protected him from crucifixion but not from execution.

When was St. Paul put to death?

Date and location

• Paul died in Rome, likely c. 64/65 AD, though some sources propose 67 AD (St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church; FOCUS).
• He was executed under Emperor Nero, who blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome.

Historical evidence

• Early church tradition, including Clement of Rome and Eusebius, records Paul’s martyrdom in Rome.
• No contemporary Roman records survive, but the consistency of early Christian testimony is strong.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7, attributed to Paul

Bottom line: The exact year remains uncertain, but the location and manner of death are well attested. For scholars, Paul’s death under Nero places him squarely in the context of early Christian persecution.

Was St. Paul in Turkey?

Birthplace in Tarsus

• Paul was born in Tarsus, a city in modern-day southern Turkey (St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church).
• At the time, Tarsus was a major Hellenistic city in the Roman province of Cilicia.

Journeys through Anatolia

• Paul’s missionary routes took him through much of modern Turkey: Galatia, Phrygia, Cappadocia, and the coastal regions of Asia Minor.
• Key cities include Antioch (Pisidia), Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and Ephesus.
• His letters to the Galatians and Ephesians were written to churches in this region.

Paul’s connection to Turkey is not incidental—half of his missionary work unfolded on Anatolian soil. For modern readers, that means many of the sites mentioned in Acts can still be visited today.

What is St Paul the patron saint of?

Patronage of missions and evangelists

• Paul is the patron saint of Roman Catholic missions, evangelists, and missionaries (Catholic Online, Catholic reference).
• He is also patron of theologians, Gentile Christians, and the city of London (according to Wikipedia, community encyclopedia).

Patronage of writers and journalists

• Because of his prolific letter-writing, Paul is considered patron of writers, journalists, and authors (Britannica).
• He is also patron of tent makers (his trade), rope and saddle makers, and public workers.

Paul’s patronage reflects his dual identity as both a manual laborer and a literary giant—a rare combination that makes him relatable to a wide range of professions.

Timeline: Key events in Paul’s life

• c. 5 AD – Born in Tarsus as Saul (Christian History Institute gives c. A.D. 6)
• c. 33–36 AD – Conversion on the road to Damascus (BYU Religious Studies Center places around AD 34)
• c. 46–57 AD – Three missionary journeys across Asia Minor and Europe (BYU Religious Studies Center)
• c. 57–59 AD – Arrest in Jerusalem and transfer to Caesarea (BYU Religious Studies Center places arrest around AD 57)
• c. 60 AD – Journey to Rome as a prisoner (BYU Religious Studies Center)
• c. 64/65 AD – Martyred by beheading in Rome (BYU Religious Studies Center gives AD 60–64; St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church)

Bottom line: This timeline shows Paul’s relentless activity over three decades, from persecutor to apostle to martyr, each phase marking a different identity.

What we know vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Paul was a historical figure mentioned in his own letters and Acts of the Apostles (Britannica).
• He was a Roman citizen who wrote at least seven undisputed letters (Wikipedia).
• He was executed in Rome under Nero (St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church).

What’s unclear

• Exact year of birth (c. 5 AD is an estimate).
• Exact year of death (some sources suggest 67 AD).
• Whether he wrote all 13 letters attributed to him (scholars debate authorship of Hebrews, Ephesians, Colossians, and 2 Thessalonians).

The balance of certainty and mystery keeps Paul a subject of ongoing scholarly interest.

Key quotes attributed to Paul

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

— Romans 8:16

“This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

— Acts 9:15 (words of the Lord to Ananias about Paul)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

These quotes encapsulate Paul’s theology and his sense of mission.

Summary: The enduring legacy of Paul

Paul’s life remains a paradox: a Roman citizen who championed a Jewish messiah, a persecutor who became the faith’s greatest advocate, a tent maker whose letters changed the world. For modern readers seeking to understand Christianity’s rapid spread, Paul’s combination of citizenship, education, and relentless travel created a template for missionary work that still influences the church today. For the curious reader, the takeaway is clear: Paul’s story is not just about religion—it is about the power of personal transformation backed by a lifetime of action.

For a detailed account of his dramatic transformation, see Saint Pauls biography and conversion.

Frequently asked questions