Saul of Tarsus was a soldier who persecuted the early Church after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension. While traveling to Damascus, an appearance of Christ knocked Saul  to the ground. After this and the events that followed, Saul changed his name to Paul and became a zealous proponent of the early Church. His writings in the New Testament display his fervor for the holy campaign of Christ's commission and constant turn from pride to humility.