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Paul the Apostle Facts & Worksheets

The Apostle Paul, also known as Saint Paul or Paul the Apostle, was an influential figure in early Christianity. He is considered one of the most important and prolific writers of the New Testament of the Bible.

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The Apostle Paul, also known as Saint Paul or Paul the Apostle, was an influential figure in early Christianity. He is considered one of the most important and prolific writers of the New Testament of the Bible. Paul’s writings and missionary journeys played a significant role in spreading and shaping the beliefs and teachings of Christianity.

See the fact file below for more information about Paul the Apostle, or you can download our 29-page Paul the Apostle worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE AND FACTS

  • Saul, afterward known as Paul, was a crucial character in early Christianity whose life and transformation shaped the religion’s development. 
  • He was of Jewish heritage and a member of the Pharisees, a religious group known for its strict devotion to Jewish law. 
  • He was born around 5-10 CE in Tarsus, a city in the Roman province of Cilicia (modern – day Turkey). Because of Tarsus’s cosmopolitan nature, Saul was exposed to Jewish and Greek customs.
  • Saul was born into a Jewish family that was Roman citizens, a circumstance that would be important to him later in life. He was given certain rights and protections as a Roman Empire citizen, allowing him to roam freely throughout its vast lands. 
  • Furthermore, Saul was educated thoroughly in Jewish law and customs as part of his upbringing, probably under the guidance of a rabbi. He gained a thorough knowledge of the Torah and an appreciation of Jewish religious customs as a result of his schooling.
  • Saul’s childhood and family history were deeply ingrained in the Pharisaic tradition, a well-known Jewish religious sect distinguished for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their steadfast commitment to interpreting and preserving Jewish teachings. 
  • Saul’s viewpoint was formed by his childhood, which also instilled in him a fierce devotion to the principles of orthodox Judaism.
  • His fervent opposition to what he saw as Jewish orthodoxy’s deviations, such as the growing Christian movement, would subsequently reflect this devotion.

SAUL BEFORE PAUL

  • Saul’s Pharisaic background was evident in his zealous support of traditional Judaism against what he saw as the burgeoning threat of the Christian movement.
  • As a young Pharisee, he was well-versed in the subtleties of Jewish law and sincerely committed to upholding his ancestors’ beliefs. 
  • Saul was a fervent persecutor of early followers of Jesus as a young man, seeing their teachings as a danger to ancient Judaism. 
  • This passion pushed him to actively attack early Christians, whom he saw as straying from accepted Jewish rituals. Saul’s zeal led him to participate in the persecution of Christians, including the stoning of Stephen, a Christian deacon and preacher.
  • However, according to the Acts of the Apostles, his life changed dramatically on the journey to Damascus in 34-37 CE, when he underwent a profound conversion. 
  • He described seeing a bright light and hearing Jesus’ voice, which caused him to go temporarily blind. 
  • This profound encounter caused him to reconsider his concept of Judaism, faith, and the Messiah, challenging his Pharisaic worldview. 
  • Following his conversion, he became a fervent supporter of Jesus’ teachings, which he now sees as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. While his previous life as a Pharisee was important, Saul’s conversion marked the start of his journey as Paul, a significant figure in the growth and development of early Christianity.

PAUL’S MINISTRY

  • Paul’s ministry was distinguished by his unflinching commitment to sharing the gospel of Christ. He set out on a number of missionary missions across the Mediterranean region, preaching nonstop to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. 
  • He served as a link between the two communities thanks to his in-depth knowledge of Jewish law and culture and his capacity for interpersonal interaction. Paul’s teaching placed more of an emphasis on redemption via trust in Christ than it did on keeping the Mosaic Law.
  • Paul authored a number of significant epistles, or letters, to various early Christian communities throughout the course of his ministry. 
  • These letters today comprise a sizable portion of the New Testament and address theological ideas, moral instruction, and practical issues within the developing Christian communities.
  • He wrote extensively on subjects like justification by faith, the function of the Holy Spirit, the character of Christ, and the bond between believers.However, there were many difficulties in Paul’s ministries, including opposition from both religious authority and his own physical difficulties. In spite of these challenges, he persisted in his desire to proclaim the gospel. His travels and writings had a long-lasting influence on the theological underpinnings of Christianity, influencing its doctrines and practices.

PAUL’S DEATH

  • As a result of his convictions, the apostle Paul’s life came to an end in Rome. According to history, he eventually died a martyr’s death, probably as a result of Nero’s persecution of Christians in Rome. 
  • Paul’s writings and significant impact on the early Christian church continue to have an impact on people today. His development into an ardent apostle from a devout Pharisee, his considerable missionary labor, his theological insights, and his final sacrifice have all contributed to his status as a key figure in the history of Christianity.

PAUL’S RELEVANCE TO CHRISTIANITY

  • Saul, who later took on the name of the apostle Paul, had a major impact on the history of Christianity and its central tenets, making him a significant figure. 
  • The transformational power of faith is seen in Paul’s journey from an ardent persecutor of early Christians to one of Christianity’s most significant figures.
  • Paul’s focus on redemption by trust in Jesus Christ rather than rigorous observance of the Mosaic Law contributed to the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins by bridging the divide between Jewish and Gentile Christians. 
  • His missionary travels around the Mediterranean region were instrumental in building Christian communities and disseminating the gospel to a wide range of people.
  • Paul paved the foundation for the formation of Christian theology by eloquently communicating difficult theological themes in understandable language using his extensive knowledge of both Jewish traditions and Hellenistic culture. 
  • His writings on subjects like grace, atonement, the function of the Holy Spirit, and the character of Christ have become foundational to Christian theologies.
  • Paul’s influence on Christian ethics and morality continues to be relevant today. Over the years, numerous people have used his teachings on love, forgiveness, and the unity of Christians as a moral compass. 
  • Paul’s transformation from a persecutor to an apostle also serves as a testament to the transformative power of meeting Christ, encouraging believers to embrace their own faith journeys.
  • In essence, Paul’s importance to Christianity may be boiled down to his crucial roles as a missionary, theological thinker, and unifying force. 
  • His impact still shapes the global Christian community, influencing its theological tenets, moral standards, and comprehension of the person and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Paul the Apostle Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Paul the Apostle across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Paul the Apostle. Paul the Apostle was an influential figure in early Christianity. He is considered one of the most important and prolific writers of the New Testament of the Bible.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Paul the Apostle Facts
  2. From Saul to Paul
  3. Paul’s Conversion
  4. Prison Break
  5. Paul’s Shipwreck
  6. Letters for the Followers
  7. Messages of Love and Unity
  8. About Sharing and Helping
  9. Faith and Trust
  10. About Joy and Gratitude
  11. Forgiveness and Kindness
  12. A Letter of Encouragement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Paul the Apostle?

Paul the Apostle, also known as Saint Paul or Saul of Tarsus, was a prominent figure in early Christianity. He was originally a Jewish Pharisee and a persecutor of Christians but underwent a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. After this encounter with Jesus Christ, he became one of the most influential Christian missionaries and theologians in history.

What is Paul’s significance in Christianity?

Paul played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. His writings, found in the New Testament, include many of the Epistles or letters to various Christian communities. These letters provide theological insights and guidance, shaping key doctrines and beliefs within Christianity. Paul’s teachings on topics like justification by faith, grace, and the role of the law have profoundly influenced Christian theology.

What are some of Paul’s most famous writings?

Some of Paul’s most well-known writings include:

  • Romans: An extensive theological exploration of salvation, righteousness, and faith.
  • 1 Corinthians: A letter addressing various issues and moral concerns within the Corinthian church.
  • Galatians: A letter emphasizing salvation through faith in Christ and freedom from the law.
  • Ephesians: A letter discussing the unity of believers in Christ and the armor of God.
  • Philippians: A letter expressing joy and gratitude, even in difficult circumstances.

How did Paul die?

Tradition holds that Paul was martyred for his Christian faith. According to early Christian writings, he was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero, likely around 67-68 AD. This execution occurred as a result of his imprisonment and his unwavering commitment to preaching Christianity despite opposition.

What is Paul’s legacy in Christianity?

Paul’s legacy in Christianity is immense. He contributed significantly to the development of Christian theology, clarifying key doctrines and beliefs. His missionary efforts expanded the early Christian church beyond its Jewish roots, making it more accessible to Gentiles. Paul’s writings continue to be a central part of the New Testament, guiding and inspiring Christians worldwide. Additionally, his life story serves as an example of profound personal transformation and devotion to Christ.

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These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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