Lived approximately 5 AD – 64 AD
Born in Tarsus (modern-day southern Turkey, about 20 miles inland from the Mediterranean coast), Paul was a Roman citizen by birth and a Jewish scholar by training. During his lifetime, the Roman Empire was at its height—Emperor Nero was building his Golden House in Rome, and the ancient wonder of the Colosseum would begin construction just years after Paul’s death.
Paul started as Christianity’s fiercest opponent before becoming its most influential advocate. He traveled over 10,000 miles across the ancient world—mostly on foot and by small sailing vessels—establishing communities from Jerusalem to Rome. He wrote letters from prison cells that would eventually shape Western civilization. A tentmaker by trade, he supported himself while building what would become a global movement.
His story proves that your past doesn’t determine your future—and that the most unlikely person can become the most influential leader.