What was St. Paul known for before his conversion?

St. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was known as a fierce persecutor of Christians before his conversion. He actively sought to imprison and harass followers of Jesus, believing that the new movement was a threat to traditional Judaism. His zeal in this role underscored his commitment to the Jewish faith, where he upheld the laws and traditions. Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is one of the most dramatic aspects of his life and is often cited as a powerful example of redemption and change in Christian teaching. This background sets the stage for his later work as a pivotal figure in spreading Christianity after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus.