The origin of the church

The Christian Church originated in Roman Judea in the first century AD/CE, founded on the
teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who first gathered disciples. Those disciples later became
known as "Christians"; according to Scripture, Jesus commanded them to spread his teachings
to all the world.

Paul[a] (previously called Saul of Tarsus;[b] c. 5 – c. 64/65 AD), commonly known as Paul the

Apostle[7] and Saint Paul,[8] was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-
century world.[9] Generally regarded as one of the most important figures of the Apostolic Age,[8][10] he
founded several Christian communities in Asia Minor and Europe from the mid-40s to the mid-50s
AD.[11]
According to the New Testament book Acts of the Apostles, Paul was a Pharisee.[12] He participated
in the persecution of early disciples of Jesus, possibly Hellenised diaspora Jews converted to
Christianity,[13] in the area of Jerusalem, prior to his conversion.[note 1] Some time after having approved
of the execution of Stephen,[14] Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus so that he might find any
Christians there and bring them "bound to Jerusalem" (ESV).[15] At midday, a light brighter than the
sun shone around both him and those with him, causing all to fall to the ground, with the risen
Christ verbally addressing Paul regarding his persecution. [16][17] Having been made blind,[18] along with
being commanded to enter the city, his sight was restored three days later by Ananias of Damascus.
After these events, Paul was baptized, beginning immediately to proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth
was the Jewish messiah and the Son of God.[19] Approximately half of the content in the book of Acts
details the life and works of Paul.