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31 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Paul in the Bible

What does the Bible say about Paul?

Paul, first called Saul, was a Pharisee from Tarsus and a Roman citizen who persecuted the church until the risen Jesus met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6). He became the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13), planted churches across the Roman world, wrote thirteen letters that carry his name, and finished his course in faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

  1. Saul of Tarsus: who Paul was
  2. Saul the persecutor of the church
  3. The road to Damascus

Paul in the Bible: Saul of Tarsus — who Paul was

A Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, trained as a Pharisee, and born a Roman citizen.

5 verses

Acts 13:9

KJV
King James Version

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas

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Acts 22:3

KJV
King James Version

I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

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Philippians 3:5

KJV
King James Version

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;

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Galatians 1:14

KJV
King James Version

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

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Acts 22:27-28

KJV
King James Version

27Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. 28And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he answered. “I paid a high price for my citizenship,” said the commander. “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

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Paul in the Bible: Saul the persecutor of the church

Before he followed Jesus, Saul tried to destroy the church.

6 verses

Acts 7:58

KJV
King James Version

And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

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Acts 8:3

KJV
King James Version

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

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Acts 9:1

KJV
King James Version

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest

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Galatians 1:13

KJV
King James Version

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.

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1 Timothy 1:13

KJV
King James Version

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

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1 Timothy 1:15

KJV
King James Version

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

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Paul in the Bible: The road to Damascus

The risen Jesus met Saul, and he was baptized and began to preach Christ.

5 verses

Acts 9:3-6

KJV
King James Version

3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

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Acts 9:15

KJV
King James Version

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:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

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Acts 9:17-18

KJV
King James Version

17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized,

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Acts 22:16

KJV
King James Version

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’

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1 Corinthians 15:8-9

KJV
King James Version

8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

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Paul in the Bible: Apostle to the Gentiles

God sent Paul far away to the nations with the gospel.

6 verses

Acts 26:16-18

KJV
King James Version

16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

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Romans 11:13

KJV
King James Version

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry

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Acts 13:2

KJV
King James Version

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

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Romans 1:1

KJV
King James Version

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—

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Galatians 1:1

KJV
King James Version

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

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Paul, an apostle — sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead —

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Acts 17:22

KJV
King James Version

Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.

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Paul in the Bible: Paul's sufferings and his thorn in the flesh

Paul suffered much for Christ and learned that His grace is enough.

5 verses

2 Corinthians 11:24-27

KJV
King James Version

24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers, in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure.

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2 Corinthians 12:7

KJV
King James Version

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

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2 Corinthians 12:9

KJV
King James Version

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

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Galatians 2:20

KJV
King James Version

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

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Paul in the Bible: Rome and Paul's last days

Acts ends with Paul preaching in Rome; his last letter looks toward his death.

4 verses

Acts 20:24

KJV
King James Version

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus — the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

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Acts 28:30-31

KJV
King James Version

30And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

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2 Timothy 4:6-8

KJV
King James Version

6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

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2 Peter 3:15

KJV
King James Version

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him.

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What the first Christians said about Paul

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“After preaching in both the East and West, he earned the illustrious reputation that was deserved for his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world and reaching the farthest parts of the West. He suffered martyrdom under the prefects, thus he was removed from the world and went to the holy place, having proven himself a remarkable example of patience.”

Clement of Rome1 Clement 5

The Greek and Hebrew words for Paul

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about Paul in the Bible

Who was Paul in the Bible?

Paul, also called Saul, was a Pharisee from Tarsus and a Roman citizen (Acts 22:3, 22:28). He persecuted Christians until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He became the apostle to the Gentiles and wrote thirteen letters that carry his name; many early Christians also counted Hebrews as his.

Listen: Acts 22:3 · Acts 9:3-6

Why did Saul change his name to Paul?

The Bible does not give a reason. Acts 13:9 simply says "Saul, (who also is called Paul,)". Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul his Roman name. From that point Luke calls him Paul, as he travels among the Gentiles.

Listen: Acts 13:9

What happened to Paul on the road to Damascus?

As Saul came near Damascus to arrest Christians, a light from heaven shone around him and Jesus asked, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (Acts 9:3-6). He was blind three days, then Ananias laid hands on him, he received his sight, and was baptized (Acts 9:17-18).

Listen: Acts 9:3-6 · Acts 9:17-18

What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?

Paul does not say what it was. He calls it "a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me" (2 Corinthians 12:7). He asked the Lord three times to take it away, and the Lord answered, "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Listen: 2 Corinthians 12:7 · 2 Corinthians 12:9

How did Paul die?

The Bible does not record his death. Acts ends with Paul preaching in Rome (Acts 28:30-31), and in his last letter he wrote that the time of his departure was at hand (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Clement of Rome, writing soon after, says Paul died as a martyr.

Listen: 2 Timothy 4:6-8