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Paul became an apostle when he converted to Christianity. His epistles provide some evidence that can help provide a year for his conversion.
Soon after his conversion to Christianity, Paul spent 3 years in Damascus, but escaped the city when the governor under Aretas, king of the Nabateans from 9 BCE to 40 CE, had a garrison deployed to arrest him because of his Christian activities (2 Corinthians 11:32-3). This information gives us a first-cut estimate for the start of the Pauline period. There is no reason at this stage to assume that the escape should have occurred near the end of the king's reign, a somewhat improbable coincidence, but if it did then Paul's conversion was no later than the year 36.
In his Epistle to the Galatians, Paul said that after his conversion, he travelled to Arabia, then Damascus (bypassing Jerusalem), Jerusalem, then Syria and Cilicia, and back to Jerusalem (Galatians 1:16-2:1). At some stage after the last visit to Jerusalem, he appears to have visited Antioch with Peter. He must have spent 3 years in Damascus, 14 years in Syria and Cilicia, and indeterminate periods in the other centres. Therefore, his conversion would have been at least 18 to 20 years before he wrote Galations.
We may be able to establish an approximate year for Galatians, because Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians and Romans all mention a collection that Paul was expending considerable effort and political capital to raise for the poor of Jerusalem. The best known explanation for this collection would be the Great Famine of 44 to 48. This means that Galatians, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians were written during the period 44 to 48, with Romans during the same 4 year period, or soon afterwards. In 1 Corinthians, Paul said that he had already commanded the Galatians to contribute. I believe that Paul first raised the subject with the Galatians in his epistle to them, so Galatians would be the first of the series and written not much later than the year 44.
We know from Paul's adventure in Damascus, that his conversion could not have been later than 36 CE, and could have been much earlier. If Galatians was written in 44 CE or very soon afterwards, and if his conversion was 18 to 20 years before this, then Paul's conversion could have been as early as the year 24. If so, we could need to revise Paul's relationship with the traditional crucifixion date of 30 or 33 CE.
What else can I help you with?
What was St. John Paul the Apostle's date of birth?
There is no apostle named John Paul. There is an apostle named John and another apostle named Paul.
Who was the of the father of Apostle Paul?
Paul's father was a Pharisee. His name is not recorded.
Who beheaded Saint Paul the apostle?
Nero was responsible for having Paul beheaded.
What did the Apostle Paul mean when he used the term waxed?
to increase, or grow
Who founded Christian communities in Asia Minor?
According to Wikipedia it was Saint Paul the Apostle
When did Luke become an apostle?
Luke was a companion of Paul, and not a apostle.
What was the date of birth of The Apostle Paul?
There is no apostle named John Paul. There is an apostle named John and another apostle named Paul.
Did Paul spend 3 years with Christ to become an Apostle?
There is no specific mention in the Bible of Paul spending 3 years with Jesus to become an apostle. Paul did have a transformative encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, which led to his conversion and subsequent calling as an apostle to the Gentiles.
Was Saint Paul an apostle to?
He called himself the Apostle to the Gentiles.
What was St. John Paul the Apostle's date of birth?
There is no apostle named John Paul. There is an apostle named John and another apostle named Paul.
Was the apostle Paul the second apostle to be stoned?
Paul wasn't stoned - he was beheaded.
Which apostle never married?
The apostle who never married was the Apostle Paul.
Where did Paul the apostle live?
Paul the apostle initially lived in a place called Tarsus before his conversion. After becoming a Christian, he become a missionary and travelled to various places.
How did apostle Paul become a hero in the Holy Bible?
The apostle Paul wouldn't think of himself as a hero, he even mentioned in 1 Corinthians that he is the least of apostles (1Cor 15:9). What made Paul so great was his conviction and service to the Lord.
Was Paul from the New Testament considered to be an Apostle?
Yes, although he was not a disciple of the living Jesus, he was an apostle and traditionally referred to as "the Apostle Paul" or "Saint Paul".
Which apostle saw the martyrdom of St. Stephen?
The Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul) witnessed the martyrdom of St. Stephen. He approved of Stephen's execution and went on to become one of the most influential figures in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Was the Apostle Paul married"?
Yes, there is no definitive evidence in the Bible that suggests the Apostle Paul was married.
