Saint Paul the Apostle: A Pillar of Early Christianity

Saint Paul the Apostle, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in Christian history. His life, missionary work, and writings have significantly shaped the early Christian church and continue to impact Christianity today. Born around AD 5 in Tarsus, a major city in the Roman province of Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), Paul was from a Jewish family of the tribe of Benjamin and held Roman citizenship by birth. This rare privilege would later play a crucial role in his missionary endeavors. Paul received a robust education, studying under the renowned Jewish teacher Gamaliel in Jerusalem. As a young man, he was a zealous Pharisee, deeply committed to Jewish law and traditions.