St. Paul
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 18th century
Material: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions (cm): 71 x 87
Inv. no.: PD0057dep / PNA66691 / PD0730dep
Saul of Tarsus (c. 5 d.C. – 67 d.C.), also known as St. Paul, was one of the most influential writers in early Christianity. He was born in Tarsus, Cilicia (present-day Turkey), and was given two names: Saul (in Hebrew) and Paul (in Roman).
He was a Pharisee of noble lineage, a Roman citizen and was a fierce persecutor of early Christians.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, Paul was struck blind, temporarily, by means of an incandescent light and through the voice of Jesus Christ, while on his way to Damascus to persecute the Christian community.
It was only after his baptism that his sight was restored, and he became one of the greatest propagators and theologians of Christianity. His influence on Christian thought was fundamental in the early spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
St. Augustine developed St. Paul’s idea that salvation is based on faith and not on the “works of the Law.” Martin Luther’s interpretation of Paul’s writings strongly influenced his doctrine of sola fide.
His influence and legacy led to the creation of communities, dominated by Gentiles, who worshipped the God of Israel, adhered to the Jewish moral code, but that abandoned Jewish rites and obligations due to Paul’s teachings about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
St. Paul would eventually be persecuted for his faith, being beheaded by Nero in 64 AD, after the Great Fire of Rome.
