Paul the Apostle (c. AD 5 – c. AD 67), also known as the Apostle Paul, Saint Paul and formerly Saul of Tarsus, is perhaps the most influential early Christian missionary and leader of the first generation of Christians. Among the many other apostles and missionaries involved in the spread of the Christian faith, Paul is often considered to be one of the two most important people in the history of Christianity, and one of the greatest religious leaders of all time.