APOSTLE SAUL (PAUL)

The apostle Paul was, at first, a great enemy to the Christian; he was present at the stoning of Stephen (the executioners laid their cloaks at his feet.) After the death of Stephen, however, while Paul was on his way to Damascus, the glory of the Lord shone suddenly upon him and he was struck

to the earth and made blind for three days. After his recovery, he was converted and became an apostle and, lastly, suffered as a martyr for the religion which he had formerly persecuted.

Paul's great abilities, and earnest enthusiasm in spreading the gospel of Christ, have made his name revered wherever the Christian religion is known. It is his writings, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which make up much of the New Testament of the Bible.

After his wonderful conversion, Paul went to Jerusalem where he saw Peter, James and John. Later, he went forth with Barnabus to preach (sent forth from the church in Antioch.) Much can be read about the life and missionary journeys of Paul in the New Testament of the Bible.

At one point , the apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, and after being released, as part of his further missionary journeys, it is believed that he visited Gaul and Spain. It is also believed that, when he returned to Rome, he was taken prisoner and imprisoned for nine months with the apostle Peter.

It was in Rome that the apostle Paul suffered martyrdom. By order of the Emperor Nero, Paul was beheaded with a sword.

Source: The Search For The Twelve Apostles, William McBirnie, PH.D