Grace and Space

Paul was the last of the apostles. His appointment did not come from any apostle, but from the risen Lord who appeared to him on the road to Damascus. The risen Lord told Paul that his mission was to preach the gospel to the gentiles, the non-Jews. Paul was a persecutor of Christians before such a call. He felt so honored and thankful to be called by Jesus.

Paul made three missionary journeys, founding communities and strengthening them through personal visits and his letters. Seven of his authentic letters had survived and have become part of the New Testament. The Acts of the Apostles written by his disciple St. Luke, narrates the story of the evangelization of the Roman empire in which Paul was the main evangelist. Paul was the “idol-missionary” of the Christians of his time, describing himself though as the apostle who suffered most for Christ.

While preparing for his fourth missionary journey to Spain and bringing the much needed financial aid to the Church of Jerusalem (this is the reason why Paul is considered a helper in financial difficulties), Paul was arrested by the Jews in the temple of Jerusalem. After staying three years in prison in Jerusalem, on his petition as a Roman citizen he was brought to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. He enjoyed house arrest during his trial, but was beheaded in the persecution initiated by Emperor Nero in the year 65 AD. 

 Novena to St. Paul the Apostle