Who was Paul in the Bible?

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

Published by Bible Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0

The New Testament records Paul's conversion and ministry across Acts, and thirteen epistles are traditionally attributed to him — from Romans through Philemon.

Traditional attribution: Thirteen New Testament epistles are traditionally attributed to Paul (Wikidata Q9200).

Key passages:

"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" — Acts 9:4

"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:" — Acts 9:15

"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." — 1 Corinthians 15:9

"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)" — Galatians 1:1

Read the account of his conversion in Acts 9:1-22 and his own words in Romans and the Pauline epistles.

Also asked as

  • · Apostle Paul
  • · Saul of Tarsus
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