The Life of Saul/Paul
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Paul, the most prominent missionary in the New Testament, humbly described himself as the least of the apostles because of his adamant opposition to Christianity before finding Christ 1 Corinthians 15:7-9. Born in Tarsus with the Hebrew name Saul, he was both a Jew and a Roman citizen. While little is known about his early life, we learn from his New Testament writings that he was educated by Gamaliel, Jerusalem’s most renowned rabbinic scholar Acts 22:3. Zealous for the traditions of his ancestors, Saul quickly advanced through the ranks of the Pharisees. In his first appearance in the Scriptures, he witnessed and approved the stoning of Stephen, with the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen laid at his feet Acts 7:57-60. Following this, Saul led a fierce persecution against Christians, dragging them from their homes, arresting them, and bringing them to Jerusalem for trial Acts 8:1-3.
Saul’s dramatic conversion to Christianity occurred on his way to persecute believers in Damascus Acts 9:1-22. On the road, he was suddenly blinded by a light and heard Jesus’ voice asking why he was persecuting the Son of God. His blindness lasted three days until a believer named Ananias, sent by God, laid hands on Saul, and the Lord restored his sight and filled him with the Holy Spirit. God set Saul apart to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, eventually leading him on three extensive missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. During these journeys, he began to go by his Greek name, Paul, planting churches and writing thirteen letters preserved in Scripture to encourage believers and explain the gospel’s meaning.
Because the early church struggled with being Christ’s followers under persecution, Paul wrote as a pastor to encourage his young flocks scattered throughout the Roman Empire. These epistles, which comprise a significant portion of the New Testament, provide foundational teachings on critical aspects of Christian theology, such as salvation, justification, the nature of the Church, and ethical living. His doctrine of justification by faith, particularly emphasized in Romans and Galatians, explains that righteousness before God is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the Law.
Paul also played a crucial role in expanding Christianity beyond its Jewish roots, emphasizing the universal scope of the Gospel and the inclusion of Gentiles. He introduced the concept of the Church as the Body of Christ, where each believer contributes to both its unity and diversity. The Apostle’s writings also offer valuable insights into eschatology, Christian hope, and practical guidance for living a Spirit-led life. His profound influence on Christian theology and the global spread of the Gospel continues to shape the faith and practice of Christians throughout history.
Despite facing severe opposition from both Jews and Romans, Paul remained unwavering in his mission to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus, the Messiah. He endured physical beatings, was chased out of towns and synagogues, and survived shipwrecks, snake bites, and numerous imprisonments. Paul maintained a joyful spirit throughout these hardships, embracing suffering for Christ’s sake. Even under house arrest and later imprisonment in Rome, Paul wrote several encouraging and deeply theological letters before being martyred around AD 68 for his faith Acts 28:1-31.
