Catholic Saints St. Paul
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Jan 25, 2026 Dr. Michael Barber, a Pauline scholar and professor of biblical studies, offers a fresh look at St. Paul. He explores Paul’s dramatic Damascus Road encounter and what it meant for his Jewish identity. Barber rethinks Paul’s theology, discusses the situational nature of his letters, and connects Paul’s mission with suffering and baptismal imagery.
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Paul's Central Role In Christianity
- St. Paul (Saul) is a towering figure whose conversion reshapes Christian theology and mission.
- Understanding his life helps unlock the meaning behind his dense letters and teachings.
Paul's Pharisee Background Matters
- Paul was a Pharisee who believed in resurrection and angelic beings, which shaped his initial rejection of Christianity.
- His Jewish background explains why a crucified Messiah was scandalous to him before conversion.
Caravaggio's Dramatic Damascus Scene
- Caravaggio artistically dramatizes Paul's fall on the road to Damascus with a fallen figure and a glaring horse.
- The painting emphasizes Saul's humiliation and the heavenly assault that upends his life.
