SaintsforSinners.com

Paul's story took place long ago. Paul was originally named “Saul” and he was a willingly participant in the murder of Saint Stephen. Saul’s role was so prominent in the stoning of Stephen that Saint Augustine said that it was Saul who had an encouraging hand in each blow Stephen suffered. The martyr Stephen prayed for his killers and this led to Saul’s ultimate conversion. Had it not been for the forgiving prayers of Stephen the Church would never have had Saint Paul. When Saul was traveling he was met by God who informed him that Jesus of Nazareth was the true Savior. Saul had converted but this did not lead the other Apostles to readily support him or believe in him. He was supported by Barnabas and the distrust against him eventually waned. Along with Timothy he went on a pilgrimmage preachng and creating churches. Before he was murdered by being beheaded, he wrote to Timothy, “I have run the race to the finish. I have fought the good fight and I have kept the faith.” When Paul’s head was severedf rom his neck in Rome, it is said, it bounced 3 times and 3 fountains erupted. The fountains are now known as “Tre Fontane” and many make pilgrimages to Rome to throw 3 coins in the fountain erupted by Saint Paul.

© 1999