Saint Paul
Stored in Cargo: Saint Paul
| Saint Paul | |
| Feast Day | 29 June (with Saint Peter), 25 January (Conversion of Paul) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Missionaries, theologians, Gentile Christians, publishers, Malta |
| Birthplace | Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (beheading) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy |
Saint Paul (5 AD – 67 AD), also known as Paul the Apostle or Saul of Tarsus, was a Jewish apostle and pivotal figure in the spread of early Christianity. Born in Tarsus, Cilicia, Paul was a Roman citizen and Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus transformed him into a fervent missionary. He undertook extensive journeys, preaching in Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, and beyond, and authored numerous New Testament epistles. Martyred by beheading in Rome, he was canonized pre-Congregation for his missionary zeal.[1]
Paul’s legacy endures as the patron saint of missionaries, theologians, and Gentile Christians, with feast days on 29 June (with Saint Peter) and 25 January (Conversion of Paul) in the Latin Rite. His epistles shape Christian theology in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, and he is honored in the Anglican Communion and recognized in Islam. His relics, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, draw pilgrims, and his writings inspire global Christianity.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Paul was born in 5 AD in Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire, to a Jewish family of the tribe of Benjamin.[1] Tarsus, a cosmopolitan city, exposed Paul to Hellenistic culture and Jewish traditions. As a Roman citizen, he enjoyed legal privileges rare for Jews.
Raised in a devout Pharisee household, Paul studied Torah under Gamaliel in Jerusalem, preparing for his early role as a zealous defender of Judaism.[3]
Early Life
Known as Saul, Paul grew up in Tarsus and later studied in Jerusalem under Gamaliel, mastering Jewish law.[4] A zealous Pharisee, he persecuted early Christians, notably approving Stephen’s martyrdom. His life changed around 34 AD when, en route to Damascus, he experienced a vision of Jesus, leading to his conversion.
Baptized and renamed Paul, he retreated to Arabia for reflection before beginning his mission. His Roman citizenship aided his travels across the empire.[5]
Occupation
Paul was a tentmaker by trade, supporting himself while preaching.[1] After his conversion, he became an apostle, dedicating his life to spreading Christianity. He undertook three major missionary journeys, establishing churches in Antioch, Ephesus, and Corinth.
His epistles, written to guide communities, form much of the New Testament. Paul’s theological work and missionary efforts defined early Christian expansion.[6]
Vocation
Paul’s religious vocation began with his conversion in 34 AD, when Jesus called him to apostleship.[1] He preached to Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing salvation through faith in Christ. His missionary journeys, spanning Asia Minor and Greece, established key Christian centers.
In Jerusalem, he attended the Council of Jerusalem (50 AD), advocating Gentile inclusion. Arrested in Rome, he continued preaching under house arrest. His epistles addressed theological and pastoral issues.[7]
Death
Paul was martyred in 67 AD in Rome, Roman Empire, beheaded under Emperor Nero.[1] As a Roman citizen, he was spared crucifixion, executed likely at Tre Fontane. His martyrdom followed years of imprisonment and trials.
Buried outside Rome’s walls, his tomb became a pilgrimage site. His relics, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, are venerated by Christians.[8]
Significant events
- Converted on the road to Damascus in 34 AD, becoming an apostle.[3]
- Undertook first missionary journey, preaching in Cyprus and Asia Minor, 46–48 AD.[5]
- Attended Council of Jerusalem in 50 AD, supporting Gentile inclusion.[2]
- Established churches in Ephesus and Corinth during second and third journeys, 52–57 AD.[6]
- Martyred by beheading in Rome in 67 AD.[8]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Tarsus, Cilicia, Roman Empire
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
Notable location:
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Paul’s sainthood was recognized from Christianity’s earliest days, predating formal canonization.[3] No Servant of God phase existed; his apostolic role and martyrdom affirmed his sanctity. Acts of the Apostles and his epistles established his mission.
Devotion emerged in Rome, Antioch, and Jerusalem, with parishes honoring him as a missionary pillar.[1]
Venerable
Paul was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] His missionary work and martyrdom affirmed his virtue. Early Fathers, like Clement of Alexandria, praised him, ensuring his status.
This reflects pre-Congregation reliance on biblical testimony.[5]
Beatification
Paul did not undergo beatification, formalized post-12th century.[1] His veneration, based on his apostolic role and martyrdom, bypassed such stages. By the 2nd century, Rome and Ephesus honored him with feast days.
This aligns with apostolic saints’ canonization.[3]
Canonization
Paul was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date or canonizer, affirmed by early tradition.[1] By the 2nd century, feast days—29 June (with Saint Peter) and 25 January (Conversion of Paul)—were set. No miracles were required; his apostolic work sufficed.
His veneration, centered at his basilica, is central to Christianity.[6]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No miracle was required for Paul’s beatification, as he was not beatified.[1] His sainthood rested on his apostolic role and martyrdom. Acts records his miracles, like healing a cripple in Lystra.
This reflects pre-Congregation reliance on scripture.[3]
Miracle for canonization
No miracle was required for Paul’s canonization, based on early tradition.[1] His martyrdom and apostolic work sufficed. Posthumous miracles lacked specific records.
This was standard for apostolic saints.[5]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Paul is patron of missionaries, theologians, Gentile Christians, publishers, and Malta, reflecting his evangelistic and literary contributions.[2] His patronage aids those spreading faith.[9]
Feast day
Paul’s feast days are 29 June (with Saint Peter) and 25 January (Conversion of Paul) in the Latin Rite.[1] Masses and processions occur in Rome and Orthodox Christianity.[6]
Veneration
Saint Paul is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to his relics at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome.[2] Missionaries and theologians seek his intercession. His relics draw pilgrims.
Depicted with a sword or book, Paul appears in churches. His missionary zeal, noted in posts, inspires evangelization, with veneration in Orthodox Christianity, Anglican Communion, and recognition in Islam.[3][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- Pauline Epistles (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, etc.)
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 "Saint Paul the Apostle". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-paul-the-apostle/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "St. Paul". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=91. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "St. Paul". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11567b.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Paul the Apostle". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Paul-the-Apostle. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Saint Paul the Apostle". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paul/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Apostle Paul". Orthodox Church in America. https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/06/29/101842-apostle-paul. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Paul". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-paul-516. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/en/storia.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Paul". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-paul. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles". CatholicSaints via X. 29 June 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/status/1679567890123456790. Retrieved 18 May 2025.