Final answer:
Paul, also known as Saul before his conversion, was authorized by the Jewish leaders to persecute Christians. He later became a central figure in spreading Christianity to Gentiles in the ancient Mediterranean world after converting to the faith himself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Paul, originally known as Saul, was given authority by the Jewish leaders to persecute Christians. After the Romans conquered the region of Israel, Jesus of Nazareth began preaching a new religion which later became known as Christianity. Paul, who had not met Jesus, converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus and later played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity to the Greek and Roman cities of the ancient Mediterranean world. His mission, particularly after his conversion, was to preach that Jesus was the Son of God and to extend the invitation of faith to Gentiles. The Romans sometimes persecuted Christians as they viewed the new religion as a challenge to their state religious authority.