Christian Men and Women

Saint Paul

Initially Paul was named Saul and he was very angry about the followers of Jesus. He helped the men who killed St Stephen one of the first Christian martyrs (a martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs). Saul used to arrest Christians and put them to death.

One day on his way to Damascus to persecute some Christians Saul fell off his horse after being struck by a bright light. Jesus spoke to him and Saul was deeply sorry for his actions and converted (that means changed) to Christianity, changing his name to Paul.

Paul travelled far to tell people about Jesus. Even though at one time he was shipwrecked and also thrown in prison Paul was determined to spread the word of God and nothing seemed to stop him. Thousands of people believed in Jesus because of Paul and he wrote many letters called Epistles.

Paul was killed in Rome with Saint Peter. They are both buried in Rome in the Church of Saint Peter (the Vatican).

The virtues that Paul displayed throughout his life included, Prudence, Restraint (Temperance), Courage (Fortitude) and Faith.