St. Paul the Apostle
A persecutor transformed by Christ into a tireless missionary, teacher, and witness to grace among the nations.
Image: Public-domain print collection — Public domain. Source and rights
Feast: June 29
Patronage and associations: Missionaries, Evangelists, Writers and publishers
Historical period: 1st century
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated throughout the universal Church on June 29.
Quick facts
- Jewish name
- Saul
- Home
- Tarsus
- Known for
- Missionary journeys and New Testament letters
Who Was St. Paul the Apostle?
Paul first appears in Acts as Saul, a zealous opponent of the Church who approved of Stephen’s death. While traveling to Damascus to arrest Christians, he encountered the risen Jesus. The persecutor discovered that attacking Christ’s members meant attacking Christ himself.
After baptism and formation, Paul became a missionary to Jews and Gentiles. He traveled through the Mediterranean world, established communities, endured imprisonment and violence, and wrote letters that remain central to Christian teaching.
Paul never treated grace as permission to boast. He remembered his past honestly while insisting that Christ’s mercy could create a new future. Tradition places his martyrdom in Rome during Nero’s persecution.
What St. Paul the Apostle Teaches Us Today
1. No one is beyond conversion
Christ can redirect even a life actively opposed to the Gospel.
2. Grace becomes mission
Paul’s encounter with mercy sent him outward in service.
3. Weakness can reveal God’s power
He learned to rely on grace rather than image, status, or control.
A Prayer Asking for St. Paul the Apostle’s Intercession
God of mercy, you transformed St. Paul from a persecutor into an apostle. Through his intercession, convert what is stubborn in me, give courage to missionaries, and help every Christian use words and work in service of the Gospel. St. Paul, pray that we may boast only in Christ. Amen.
Original prayer written by Catholic Explained.