The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian church.

He played a crucial role

• in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and

• his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire.

• Paul started more than a dozen churches, and he’s traditionally considered the author of 13 books of the Bible—more than any other biblical writer.

• He had a greater impact on the world’s religious landscape than any other person besides Jesus, and perhaps Muhammad.

But before he was known as a tireless champion of Christianity, Paul was actually known for persecuting Christians. The Book of Acts tells us that Paul was even present at the death of the first Christian martyr—where he “approved the stoning of Stephen” (Acts 8:1).