Final answer:
Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles present differing pictures of Paul; Acts focuses on his dramatic conversion and key role in spreading Christianity, while his letters offer personal insights into his missionary work and theological influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The portrayal of the Apostle Paul in the Acts of the Apostles contrasts with how he represents himself in his own letters, known as the Pauline Epistles. The Acts, a book of the New Testament recounting the early history of Christianity, depicts Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where a blinding light accompanies his encounter with Christ (Acts 9.1-2; 9.5–6). Here, Paul is presented as a transformative figure, central to the spread of Christianity throughout the ancient Greco-Roman world.
Paul's own letters, however, provide a more personal and direct insight into his thoughts, theological teachings, and missionary efforts. They exemplify his encounters with various cultural and religious groups, emphasizing his role in shaping the early Christian doctrine.
Moreover, the image of Paul in the Acts often follows conventional depictions, aligning him with figures such as the philosopher, as seen in art and literature of that time. This is evident from early Christian art, where Paul is often depicted with a pointed beard and high forehead, reflecting wisdom and intellect, similar to depictions of ancient philosophers. In contrast, Paul's letters portray him more as a nuanced, hands-on evangelist grappling with the complexities of spreading a new faith opposed by Roman values, especially within existing Jewish and pagan contexts.