Paul
Apostle, preacher, and missionary who turned to the Gentiles.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Paul, also called Saul (Acts 13:9), is a central figure in the Acts of the Apostles, depicted as a missionary, preacher, and apostle. He is first mentioned as Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:9), and later consistently called Paul. He travels with Barnabas and others, preaching to Jews and Gentiles, performing miracles, and facing persecution (Acts 13:13, Acts 13:16, Acts 13:45-46, Acts 14:9, Acts 14:19).
- Also called
- Saul (Acts 13:9)
- Travel companion
- Barnabas (Acts 13:43, Acts 15:2)
- Chief speaker
- Called Mercurius because he was the chief speaker (Acts 14:12)
- Chose Silas
- Paul chose Silas and departed (Acts 15:40)
- Vision received
- A man of Macedonia appeared in a vision (Acts 16:9)
- Stoned
- Stoned and left for dead at Lystra (Acts 14:19)
Lore & Background
In Philippi, Paul converts Lydia (Acts 16:14), exorcises a spirit from a slave girl (Acts 16:18), and is imprisoned with Silas. They pray and sing at midnight (Acts 16:25), and when an earthquake opens the prison doors, Paul prevents the jailer from suicide (Acts 16:28).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Paul as a Spirit-filled leader who adapts his mission based on audience response. He is initially named Saul, but after his encounter with the Holy Spirit, he is called Paul (Acts 13:9). He preaches first to Jews, but when they contradict and blaspheme, he boldly turns to the Gentiles (Acts 13:45-46). His authority is recognized by crowds who call him Mercurius, the chief speaker (Acts 14:12). Paul performs healings and exorcisms (Acts 14:9, Acts 16:18), but also faces severe persecution, including stoning (Acts 14:19) and imprisonment (Acts 16:19-25). He is a decisive figure, choosing Silas over John Mark (Acts 15:38-40) and circumcising Timothy for practical reasons (Acts 16:3). His reliance on divine guidance is shown through a vision (Acts 16:9), and his compassion is evident when he prevents a suicide (Acts 16:28). The passages consistently show Paul as a missionary who endures hardship to spread the gospel, often with Barnabas or Silas.
Did You Know?
- Paul was also called Saul (Acts 13:9).
- The people of Lystra called Paul 'Mercurius' because he was the chief speaker (Acts 14:12).
- Paul was stoned and left for dead at Lystra (Acts 14:19).
- Paul chose Silas as his companion after a disagreement with Barnabas (Acts 15:38-40).
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." — Paul "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." — Paul "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." — Paul "Every sin which a man does is without the body, but he that commits fornication sins against his own body." — Paul
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
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