Saints Library · Overcoming Obstacles
St. Paul the Apostle
Apostle to the Gentiles, missionary, and martyr
Life and historical setting
Paul the Apostle (5–66) is remembered in the Church as apostle to the Gentiles, missionary, and martyr. The supplied Catholic source associates this life with Tarsus.
Documented offices and forms of service associated with Paul the Apostle include apostle, theologian, missionary.
Paul the Apostle was born in Tarsus around the year 3, he was named Saul. Paul the Apostle later became Paul and set forth to carry Jesus' word.
Paul the Apostle began preaching in Damascus.
The enduring witness of Paul the Apostle is especially connected with gospel encounter and discipleship, prayer and contemplation, and conversion and moral renewal. The New Testament and the earliest Christian tradition are treated as the primary witnesses; later journeys, relic traditions, and legends are identified separately when they cannot be documented to the same degree.
Vocation and witness
These themes were identified from the supplied source record and provide a structured guide to the life.
Gospel encounter and discipleship
The supplied account connects this life directly with Christ, the Gospel, or the apostolic witness.
Prayer and contemplation
Prayer, contemplation, or a disciplined interior life is a significant part of the recorded witness.
Conversion and moral renewal
The narrative emphasizes repentance, conversion, reform, or a decisive return to God.
Preaching and evangelization
The source remembers preaching, missionary work, baptism, catechesis, or another form of evangelization.
Courageous public witness
The narrative records fidelity expressed publicly despite conflict, opposition, exile, or imprisonment.
Martyrdom and sacrifice
The source presents suffering or death borne in fidelity to Christ and the faith.
Perseverance in grace
The source presents a vocation shaped by conversion, perseverance, and cooperation with grace.
Spiritual legacy
The enduring witness of Paul the Apostle is especially connected with gospel encounter and discipleship, prayer and contemplation, and conversion and moral renewal. The New Testament and the earliest Christian tradition are treated as the primary witnesses; later journeys, relic traditions, and legends are identified separately when they cannot be documented to the same degree.
Prayerful reflection
God of holiness, through the witness of Paul the Apostle, strengthen us in conversion, perseverance, and cooperation with grace when the way is difficult. Keep our attention fixed on Jesus Christ, and teach us to answer grace faithfully in the duties, relationships, and needs placed before us. Amen.
Historical and liturgical note
Current Vatican News calendar listing; local and religious calendars may add other observances.
Other associated observances: June 29; July 12; February 10; November 18.
The New Testament and the earliest Christian tradition are treated as the primary witnesses; later journeys, relic traditions, and legends are identified separately when they cannot be documented to the same degree.