Saint Paul Ananias Sight Restored

Paul of Tarsus, also called Paul the Apostle, the Apostle Paul, and Saint Paul, (lang-grc????? (Saul), ?????? (Saulos), and ?????? (Paulos); Latin: Paulus or Paullus; lang-he???? ????? ?a?ul HaTarsi (Saul of Tarsus) (c. 5 BC - c. 67 AD ),Harris, p. 411 was a Jew (Judaism) who called himself the "Apostle to the Gentiles". According to the Acts of the Apostles, his conversion to faith in Jesus (Conversion of Paul) took place in a profound life-changing experience on the road to Damascus. Together with Simon Peter (Saint Peter) and James the Just, he is considered among the most notable of early Christian leaders. He was also a Roman citizen?a fact that afforded him a privileged legal status with respect to laws, property, and governance.

Thirteen epistles (Pauline epistles), or letters, in the New Testament are attributed to Paul. Within these epistles other letters are referenced that do not appear in the Bible, such as a Laodicean (Laodicea on the Lycus) epistle.Bibleref2cCol.4:1 His authorship (Authorship of the Pauline epistles) of six of the thirteen is questioned by some scholars, three of which are widely thought not to be his work. Pauls influence on Christian thinking arguably has been more significant than any other New Testament author. Augustine of Hippo developed Pauls idea that salvation is based on faith (Faith in Christianity) and not works (Good works). Martin Luther and his doctrine of sola fide were heavily influenced by Paul. Evangelical Christians refer to the Romans road.

Pauls conversion dramatically changed the course of his life. Through his activity and writings, his beliefs eventually changed religious thought throughout the Mediterranean. This leadership, influence and legacy led to the formation of communities dominated by gentile groups that adhered to the Judaic "moral code" but relaxed or abandoned the "ritual" obligations of the Mosaic law (Biblical law in Christianity) on the basis of the life and works of Jesus Christ (Ministry of Jesus) and the New Covenant. These communities eventually formed Christianity, see Split of early Christianity and Judaism and Biblical law in Christianity.