Paul of Tarsus, also known as the Apostle Paul, was a key figure in early Christianity. Born in Tarsus, a city in modern-day Turkey, around AD 5, he was originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians. After a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, he became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to spreading the Christian message. Paul traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and writing letters, many of which are included in the New Testament. His teachings emphasized faith, grace, and the importance of the resurrection, significantly shaping Christian theology and practice.