Final answer:
Before he began his missionary work, Paul of Tarsus was known as Saul. His conversion on the way to Damascus was a pivotal event that led to his significant role in spreading Christianity throughout the Greco-Roman world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before Paul began his missionary activity, he was known by his Jewish name, Saul. Saul, also known as Paul of Tarsus after his conversion, is a central figure in the spread of Christianity in the ancient world. His journey to faith famously began on the road to Damascus where he experienced a profound conversion. Paul's apostolic work was significant in disseminating Christian teachings across various cities within the Greco-Roman world, including Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, and Rome. His encounters with different cultures and religious practices contributed significantly to shaping the early Christian church. Paul's letters to the communities he founded or visited form a crucial part of the New Testament and play a key role in Christian theology and the interpretation of the message of Jesus.
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