Paul’s story is told in Acts 7:58-28:31
Paul – From Persecutor to Preacher
When we think of big changes in life, few stories compare to that of Paul in the New Testament. He went from trying to destroy the early Christian church to becoming one of its most faithful leaders. His journey shows how God can transform anyone, no matter their past.
Who Was Paul?
Paul was originally known as Saul. He came from the city of Tarsus and was both a Jew and a Roman citizen. He was highly educated in Jewish law and very devoted to his faith. In the beginning, he didn’t believe in Jesus and thought that Christians were wrong.
Saul the Persecutor
Saul was not just unsure about Christians—he was strongly against them. He hunted down believers, threw them in jail, and even approved of their deaths. One of the first Christian martyrs, Stephen, was killed while Saul watched and agreed.
A Life-Changing Encounter
Everything changed when Saul was traveling to the city of Damascus to arrest more Christians. On the way, a bright light from heaven stopped him in his tracks. He heard the voice of Jesus asking, “Saul, why are you persecuting me?” That moment changed his heart. He lost his sight for a few days, but when it was restored, so was his soul. Saul became a believer. He was baptized and started going by the name Paul.
Paul the Missionary
Paul didn’t waste any time. He began sharing the message of Jesus with people everywhere. He traveled across many countries, started churches, and helped both Jews and non-Jews (called Gentiles) understand that Jesus was the Savior. His life was not easy—he was beaten, arrested, and even shipwrecked—but he never gave up.
Paul’s Letters and Teachings
Paul also wrote many letters to the churches he helped start. These letters, called epistles, make up a large part of the New Testament. In them, he talked about important things like God’s grace, faith in Jesus, the power of love, and how Christians should live. Some of these letters include Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Philippians.
The End of Paul’s Story
Eventually, Paul was arrested in Rome because of his faith. It is believed that he was killed for being a Christian. Even so, he never turned back. His faith stayed strong until the very end.
What We Can Learn from Paul
Paul’s story teaches us that:
- God can change any heart.
- Your past doesn’t have to define your future.
- Sharing your faith takes courage—but it’s worth it.
Paul went from being one of the church’s biggest enemies to one of its greatest heroes. His life shows us that no one is too far from God’s reach.
Final Thoughts
Paul’s journey reminds us that God can use anyone to do great things. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, your story can be rewritten—just like Paul’s was. Trust God, and be open to the changes He wants to make in your life.