Who was Paul and what was his contribution to the New Testament?

Answer 1

Paul was born (as Saul) about A.D.1 in Tarsus, a city in Asia Minor, where he was trained to become a member of the most zealous religious group in Judah, a Pharisee. He was a leading agent in an intense persecution of the early Christian church. After his conversion, he realized that those whom he had been persecuting were right, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. The Lord informs Ananias, in a vision, that Saul (Paul) will now be His spokesman to carry the message of Jesus' resurrection to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the children of Israel throughout the Roman Empire. Ananias prays for Saul and Saul's sight is restored. Saul is baptized immediately and becomes as bold and zealous in preaching Christ as he had been in persecuting Christ's followers. He was a Roman citizen, educated in Greek, educated in Jewish law, and was taught by the Holy Spirit. He was a missionary and theologian. History has shown that Paul's writing (his 13 epistles in the New Testament) are the major source of Christian theology. Paul is also the chief model for biblical missionary strategy.