St Paul, also known as Saul, ethnically was Jewish, coming from a devout Jewish family. He was also born a Roman Citizen in Tarsus, Cilicia, South Turkey. He grew up in Jerusalem and was brought up by Gamaliel, a leading authority in the Jewish religious establishment (Sanhedrin). In addition to learning religious scriptures, he also studied Greek philosophers and was well acquainted with the Stoic philosophers, who advocated a virtuous acceptance of life as a path to happiness. In his daily life, he was a tent maker.St Paul was an influential figure in the early development of Christianity. His writings and epistles form a key section of the New Testament; St Paul helped to codify and unify the direction of the emerging religion of Christianity. In particular, St Paul emphasised the role that salvation is based on faith and not religious customs. St Paul was both Jewish and a Roman citizen; in his early life, he took part in the persecution of Christians. However, on the road to Damascus, he underwent a conversion and became a committed Christian himself.
