For the first time in nearly a decade, the "Good Book" is seeing a massive, unexpected comeback. After years of steady decline in religious engagement, recent data from the State of the Bible 2026 reports reveals a stunning reversal: over 11 million more Americans are reading the Bible this year compared to just two years ago. But this isn't your grandparents' revival. This surge is being driven by the very groups many thought had walked away from faith for good. The Numbers: A Surprising Demographic Shift The most shocking aspect of the 2026 Bible Surge is who is doing the reading. According to the American Bible Society, the largest increases aren't coming from the "Bible Belt," but from the most secular regions of the U.S.—the Northeast and the West. Young Men leading the charge: Bible use among men has spiked by 21% in the last year. Millennials & Gen Z: Millennials saw a 30% surge in engagement, while Gen Z is increasingly using Scriptu...
Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul the Apostle, was a significant figure in early Christianity. Born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) around the early 1st century, he was a Roman citizen and a devout Pharisee who strictly followed Jewish law. Before his conversion, Saul was a persecutor of Christians, believing that they were a threat to Jewish traditions.
His Conversion to Christianity
Saul's transformation happened on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19):
- He was traveling to arrest Christians when he was blinded by a bright light.
- He heard the voice of Jesus, saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
- He was struck blind and led into Damascus, where he fasted for three days.
- A disciple named Ananias was sent by God to heal him. When Ananias laid hands on him, Saul regained his sight and was baptized.
Becoming Paul the Apostle
After his conversion:
- Saul began preaching about Jesus as the Messiah, shocking those who knew his past.
- He spent years traveling, preaching, and writing letters to churches, which later became part of the New Testament.
- He adopted the Greek name "Paul", which was common in the Roman world, especially as he spread Christianity to Gentiles (non-Jews).
His Mission and Legacy
- He undertook several missionary journeys, spreading Christianity across the Roman Empire.
- He wrote 13 letters (epistles) in the New Testament (e.g., Romans, Corinthians, Galatians).
- He was eventually arrested in Rome and is believed to have been martyred by beheading under Emperor Nero.
Paul's teachings shaped Christian theology, emphasizing faith in Jesus, grace, and salvation, making him one of the most influential figures in Christian history.