Paul+of+Tarsus

Paul of Tarsus, or Saint Paul, was one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Originally a Hellenistic Jew, he converted when he had a vision of the resurrected Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. St. Paul is responsible for up to thirteen of the books in the New Testament, and actively sought to spread Christianity. He preached that faith in Christ was more important than following the stringent rules of the Torah.

__ Paul of Tarsus __ (50s CE): focus on conversion of gentiles (= non-Jews); itinerant preacher; letters outline doctrine – emphasis on resurrection & sin; mainstream tendencies (sexual norms, family, slavery) >> expands appeal beyond initial target group