Paul in the Bible

Story, name meaning and life lessons

In brief

Paul, first called Saul, is a Pharisee from Tarsus who persecuted the Church before meeting the risen Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, around AD 35 by the usual reckoning. Having become apostle to the nations, he founds churches on his missionary journeys and writes letters of the New Testament. He endures great suffering and finishes his course in prison, trusting in the Lord.

What does the name Paul mean?

Saul is a Hebrew name generally linked to "asked for." Paul is the Roman name the book of Acts uses for him from Acts 13:9, without giving any explanation.

The story of Paul

  1. The Meeting on the Damascus Road

    Acts 9:1-19

    Saul is breathing threats against the disciples. Near Damascus, a light from heaven surrounds him and throws him down. Jesus asks him why he is persecuting him. Blind, Saul is led into the city, where Ananias, sent by the Lord, restores his sight. He is baptized.

  2. The First Missionary Journey

    Acts 13:1-12

    At Antioch, the Holy Spirit asks that Barnabas and Saul be set apart for the work to which he is calling them. After fasting and prayer, the church sends them off. On Cyprus, Saul, also called Paul, proclaims the word, and the proconsul Sergius Paulus believes.

  3. The Speech in Athens

    Acts 17:16-34

    In Athens, Paul is distressed to see the city full of idols. Before the Areopagus, he starts from an altar to an unknown god to proclaim the Creator God, who calls all people to repentance and raised Jesus from the dead. Some mock, others believe.

  4. The Servant's Sufferings

    2 Corinthians 11:23-30

    Answering those who boast, Paul lists what he has endured for Christ: prisons, beatings, shipwrecks, dangers on the roads, weariness, hunger, and concern for all the churches. He chooses to boast in his weaknesses, because that is where the power of Christ is displayed.

  5. The Race Completed

    2 Timothy 4:6-8

    Imprisoned and aware that his end is near, Paul writes to Timothy that his departure is at hand. He declares that he has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. He awaits the crown of righteousness that the Lord will give to all who love his appearing.

What Paul teaches us

  • No one is too far from grace: Jesus reached Saul the persecutor and transformed him.
  • The gospel is shared by adapting to people without denying the truth, as in Athens.
  • Weakness does not prevent service: the power of Christ is made perfect in frailty.
  • It is worth holding on to the end and keeping the faith, without looking back.

Key verses

Acts 9:15

The Lord tells Ananias that Saul is a chosen instrument to carry his name before the nations, kings and the people of Israel.

2 Corinthians 12:9

The Lord answers Paul that his grace is sufficient, for his power is made perfect in weakness. Paul learns to boast in his weaknesses.

2 Timothy 4:7

Paul sums up his life as a servant at the end of his course: the good fight, the race finished and the faith kept. It is a spiritual testament.

Sermons about Paul

Frequently asked questions

Why did God choose Paul?

Paul was persecuting the Church when Jesus met him. In Acts 9:15, the Lord describes him as a chosen instrument to carry his name before the nations. In his letters, Paul speaks of this encounter as an act of God's grace.

What does the name Paul mean?

Saul is a Hebrew name generally linked to "asked for." Paul is the Roman name, used in Acts from the first journey on. The Bible does not say God renamed him: Saul, also called Paul, simply bears two names.

Where can I find the story of Paul in the Bible?

It fills the book of Acts, from the death of Stephen in Acts 7 and 8 to his arrival in Rome in Acts 28. His thirteen letters, from Romans to Philemon, complete his portrait with personal details.

More Bible characters

← All characters