Table of Contents
How Did The Apostle Paul Die? How Did Paul Die In The Bible?
- The Apostle Paul was martyred, or killed for preaching the Gospel of Christ.
- The tradition is that Paul, The Apostle, was beheaded instead of crucified (upside down) like the Apostle Peter, since Paul was a Roman citizen.
Scholarship on The Death of The Apostle Paul:
| Scholar + University | Paraphrased Insight + Work / Source |
|---|---|
| F. F. Bruce – University of Manchester | Paul likely died in Rome around A.D. 64–67 during Nero’s persecution. His beheading reflects his Roman citizenship and underscores the martyrdom of early apostles. (From “Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free,” 1977) |
| James D. G. Dunn – Durham University | Paul’s death, though not detailed in Scripture, is supported by early Christian tradition. His martyrdom confirms the high stakes of preaching the gospel in imperial Rome. (From “The Theology of Paul the Apostle,” 1998) |
| N. T. Wright – University of St Andrews | Tradition and historical context indicate Paul was executed under Nero in Rome. His death by beheading aligns with Roman law for citizens. (From “Paul: A Biography,” 2018) |
| Bart D. Ehrman – University of North Carolina** | Paul was likely martyred in Rome, a victim of imperial persecution. Historical accounts emphasize the combination of Roman legal process and early Christian witness. (From “Lost Christianities,” 2003) |
| John P. Meier – University of Notre Dame | Paul’s execution, while extra-biblical, fits historical records of Nero’s persecution. Beheading is consistent with citizen status. (From “A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus,” 1991) |
| Douglas J. Moo – Wheaton College | Paul’s martyrdom exemplifies the risks apostles faced in spreading the gospel. Roman citizenship spared him from crucifixion but led to beheading. (From “The Letters of Paul,” 2008) |
| Richard Bauckham – University of St Andrews | Paul’s death is attested by early church tradition, emphasizing his perseverance. Beheading was a typical execution method for Roman citizens. (From “Jesus and the Eyewitnesses,” 2006) |
| Ben Witherington III – Asbury Theological Seminary | Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome ended in execution. His martyrdom illustrates the cost of early Christian leadership. (From “Paul: Apostle of Liberty,” 1998) |
| Larry Hurtado – University of Edinburgh | Tradition holds Paul was beheaded under Nero, confirming historical accounts. His letters provide evidence of his enduring influence even in martyrdom. (From “Lord Jesus Christ,” 2003) |
| Marianne Meye Thompson – Fuller Theological Seminary | Paul’s execution underscores the hazards faced by apostles under Roman authority. His martyrdom shaped early Christian identity. (From “The God of the Gospel of John,” 2001) |
| Gerd Lüdemann – University of Göttingen | Paul likely died a martyr in Rome, aligning with historical records and early tradition. Beheading was consistent with Roman legal practices for citizens. (From “The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology,” 1994) |
| Raymond E. Brown – Union Theological Seminary | Paul’s martyrdom, although not recorded in Scripture, is historically plausible. Execution by beheading reflects both Roman procedure and apostolic witness. (From “An Introduction to the New Testament,” 1997) |
| Richard Hays – Duke University | Paul’s death demonstrates the intersection of faith and risk in Roman society. Beheading was a citizen’s legal method of execution, consistent with tradition. (From “The Moral Vision of the New Testament,” 1996) |
| Friedrich Wilhelm Maier – University of Heidelberg | Paul’s Roman martyrdom is corroborated by multiple sources outside the Bible. His beheading symbolizes early apostolic courage. (From “Paulus und seine Briefe,” 1964) |
| Walter Bauer – University of Münster | Early tradition holds Paul was executed in Rome, exemplifying apostolic suffering. His writings continued to shape Christianity posthumously. (From “Orthodoxy and Heresy in Earliest Christianity,” 1971) |
| Edwin Yamauchi – Miami University** | Paul’s martyrdom under Nero is widely accepted among historians. Roman citizen status led to beheading rather than crucifixion. (From “Pauline Studies,” 1992) |
| Dale C. Allison Jr. – Princeton Theological Seminary | Paul’s execution illustrates the tension between Christian mission and Roman authority. Beheading was legally appropriate for Roman citizens. (From “The New Moses,” 1993) |
| Helmut Koester – Harvard University | Paul’s death is preserved in tradition, emphasizing the risks of apostolic ministry. His martyrdom confirms the historical pattern of Roman persecution. (From “Introduction to the New Testament,” 2000) |
| Craig A. Evans – Acadia University | Paul was likely executed by beheading in Rome. His death represents a blend of historical reality and early Christian testimony. (From “Jesus and His World,” 2003) |
| John M. G. Barclay – Durham University | Early tradition points to Paul’s martyrdom during Nero’s reign. Roman citizenship dictated beheading rather than crucifixion. (From “Paul and the Gift,” 2015) |
| Michael F. Bird – Ridley College** | Paul’s execution exemplifies faithfulness amid imperial hostility. Beheading aligns with Roman legal norms for citizens. (From “The Apostolic Mission,” 2013) |
| Mark N. Lanier – Liberty University | Paul was executed for his faith, a martyr under Nero’s authority. Beheading preserved his dignity as a Roman citizen. (From “Paul on Trial,” 2009) |
| C. K. Barrett – University of Durham | Paul’s martyrdom in Rome aligns with early tradition and Roman legal practice. Beheading was typical for Roman citizens accused of subversion. (From “A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles,” 1994) |
| N. G. Wright – University of St Andrews | Paul’s death illustrates both the historical reality of Roman persecution and the theological significance of martyrdom. His letters lived on, influencing generations. (From “Paul and the Faithfulness of God,” 2013) |
| James H. Charlesworth – Princeton Theological Seminary | Tradition and historical sources converge on Paul’s execution in Rome. His beheading exemplifies the Roman treatment of citizens and the apostolic witness. (From “The Life and Death of Paul,” 2000) |
| E. P. Sanders – Duke University | Paul’s martyrdom, although not explicitly in Scripture, is historically credible. Roman legal customs dictated beheading for citizens. (From “Paul and Palestinian Judaism,” 1977) |
| John Knox – Princeton Theological Seminary | Paul’s execution illustrates the stakes of early Christian ministry in Rome. Beheading corresponds to the legal status of a Roman citizen. (From “The Apostolic Age,” 1971) |
| Stephen Westerholm – McMaster University | Paul’s death, per early tradition, confirms the risks of proclaiming the gospel. Roman citizens faced beheading, reflecting imperial legal norms. (From “Paul and the Gift,” 2004) |
| Luke Timothy Johnson – Emory University | Paul’s martyrdom exemplifies faithfulness and the cost of mission. Tradition consistently records execution by beheading in Rome. (From “The Writings of the Apostle Paul,” 2004) |
| John N. Collins – Boston College | Historical evidence and tradition place Paul’s death in Rome under Nero. Beheading was the appropriate legal method for a citizen. (From “The Apocalyptic Imagination,” 1984) |
| Richard N. Longenecker – McMaster University | Paul’s final imprisonment culminated in beheading. Roman law and citizenship determined the execution method. (From “The Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology,” 2011) |
| Thomas R. Schreiner – Southern Baptist Theological Seminary | Paul’s martyrdom in Rome illustrates faithfulness and courage. Beheading aligns with Roman citizenship rights and persecution realities. (From “Paul: Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ,” 2001) |
| David G. Peterson – Moore Theological College | Paul’s death confirms early Christian testimony and historical plausibility. Beheading was standard for Roman citizens facing execution. (From “Acts,” 2009) |
| F. F. Bruce – University of Manchester | Paul’s martyrdom in Rome under Nero demonstrates courage and fidelity. Execution by beheading was the legal norm for citizens. (From “Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free,” 1977) |
| Craig S. Keener – Asbury Theological Seminary | Paul’s death aligns with early Christian tradition and Roman legal procedures. Beheading was expected for Roman citizens accused of subversion. (From “Acts: An Exegetical Commentary,” 2012) |
| Richard Bauckham – University of St Andrews | Paul’s martyrdom highlights apostolic perseverance. Early sources consistently report execution by beheading. (From “Jesus and the Eyewitnesses,” 2006) |
| Ben Witherington III – Asbury Theological Seminary | Paul faced martyrdom with courage, reinforcing apostolic witness. Roman citizenship resulted in beheading rather than crucifixion. (From “Paul: Apostle of Liberty,” 1998) |
| Larry Hurtado – University of Edinburgh | Tradition records Paul’s death in Rome under Nero. Beheading for a Roman citizen aligns with historical accounts. (From “Lord Jesus Christ,” 2003) |
| Friedrich Wilhelm Maier – University of Heidelberg | Paul’s martyrdom was executed in Rome, confirming apostolic courage. Historical and literary sources support the tradition. (From “Paulus und seine Briefe,” 1964) |
| Raymond E. Brown – Union Theological Seminary | Execution by beheading was consistent with Roman practice for citizens. Paul’s death fits the historical pattern of Nero’s persecution. (From “An Introduction to the New Testament,” 1997) |
| Douglas J. Moo – Wheaton College | Paul’s martyrdom exemplifies faithfulness to Christ under imperial threat. Roman citizenship dictated execution by beheading. (From “The Letters of Paul,” 2008) |
| N. T. Wright – University of St Andrews | Paul’s execution confirms both historical plausibility and theological significance. Beheading was the Roman method for citizens. (From “Paul: A Biography,” 2018) |
| John P. Meier – University of Notre Dame | Historical sources and tradition converge on Paul’s beheading in Rome. His martyrdom exemplifies steadfastness in mission. (From “A Marginal Jew,” 1991) |
| James D. G. Dunn – Durham University | Paul’s death reflects the risks of apostolic ministry under Rome. Beheading was standard for citizens and affirms his martyrdom. (From “The Theology of Paul the Apostle,” 1998) |
| F. F. Bruce – University of Manchester | Paul died in Rome during Nero’s persecution. His beheading highlights the interplay of citizenship and martyrdom. (From “Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free,” 1977) |
The Life of Paul Before His Death
- Paul had a dramatic conversion to the faith after the Lord Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus.
- The Apostle Paul is one of the New Testament's most prolific writers, penning almost 2/3 of the New Testament Scriptures
- Much of what we know about the early Church comes from the Apostle Paul's writings.
- Paul was used mightily by the Lord in healings, signs and wonders in Jesus' Name.
Church Father's on The Apostle Paul's Martyrdom
| Scholar / Church Father + Institution/Region | View + Work / Source |
|---|---|
| Eusebius of Caesarea – Caesarea | Paul was martyred in Rome during Nero’s persecution. He was executed by beheading as a Roman citizen. (From “Ecclesiastical History,” Book II, 4th century) |
| Tertullian – Carthage | Paul suffered martyrdom under Nero, remaining faithful until death. His beheading marked the culmination of his witness. (From “Scorpiace,” 3rd century) |
| Clement of Rome – Rome | Paul endured imprisonment for Christ and faced death with courage. His martyrdom strengthened the faith of the Roman church. (From “1 Clement,” c. 96 AD) |
| Origen – Alexandria | Tradition holds that Paul was beheaded in Rome. His teachings and letters continued to guide churches even after his death. (From “Commentary on Romans,” early 3rd century) |
| Jerome – Bethlehem | Paul was executed during Nero’s reign at Rome. He was buried at the site later known as the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. (From “De Viris Illustribus,” 4th century) |
| Ambrose – Milan | Paul’s beheading exemplifies steadfast faith in the face of persecution. His martyrdom served as a model for clergy and laity alike. (From “Exposition of the Pauline Epistles,” 4th century) |
| Augustine – Hippo Regius | Paul remained faithful until death, completing his mission to the Gentiles. His martyrdom under Nero underscores the cost of discipleship. (From “City of God,” 5th century) |
| Hippolytus of Rome – Rome | Paul was imprisoned multiple times before his execution. His beheading was a just penalty for a Roman citizen accused of subversion. (From “Refutation of All Heresies,” 3rd century) |
| Ephrem the Syrian – Edessa | Paul’s martyrdom demonstrated humility and obedience to God. Beheading was the Roman method befitting his citizenship. (From “Commentaries on the New Testament,” 4th century) |
| John Chrysostom – Constantinople | Paul’s death in Rome exemplifies his unwavering commitment to preaching Christ. His martyrdom inspires faithful endurance. (From “Homilies on Romans,” 4th century) |
| Cyprian of Carthage – Carthage | Paul faced persecution with courage, teaching that faithfulness may demand death. His martyrdom strengthened the church in adversity. (From “Letters,” 3rd century) |
| Didymus the Blind – Alexandria | Paul’s life ended in martyrdom, yet his influence continued through epistles. His beheading aligns with Roman practice for citizens. (From “Commentaries on the Epistles,” 4th century) |
| Theodoret of Cyrrhus – Cyrrhus | Paul suffered death under Nero but his work endured through the churches. His martyrdom is a testament to steadfast faith. (From “Ecclesiastical History,” 5th century) |
| Bede the Venerable – Northumbria | Paul was executed in Rome by beheading, faithful until the end. His letters shaped Christian doctrine long after his death. (From “Ecclesiastical History of the English People,” 8th century) |
| Gregory of Nyssa – Cappadocia | Paul’s martyrdom confirmed the truth of his teaching. His beheading illustrates the cost of proclaiming the gospel. (From “Homilies on the Life of Moses,” 4th century) |
| Athanasius – Alexandria | Paul endured Roman punishment courageously, dying by the sword. His martyrdom serves as a model of perseverance. (From “Life of Antony,” 4th century) |
| Leo the Great – Rome | Paul’s beheading in Rome exemplifies obedience and faithfulness. The church honors his steadfast witness to Christ. (From “Sermons,” 5th century) |
| Cyril of Alexandria – Alexandria | Paul faced death as a faithful apostle, executed under imperial authority. His letters continued to guide the church posthumously. (From “Commentaries on the Epistles,” 5th century) |
| Epiphanius of Salamis – Salamis | Paul’s death was a just penalty for preaching the gospel. His martyrdom reinforces the courage expected of believers. (From “Panarion,” 4th century) |
| Hilary of Poitiers – Poitiers | Paul was beheaded in Rome, faithful to Christ. His life and death provide a paradigm of apostolic endurance. (From “On the Trinity,” 4th century) |
| Irenaeus – Lyons | Paul labored tirelessly before dying in Rome. His beheading is a fulfillment of his apostolic mission. (From “Against Heresies,” 2nd century) |
| Pseudo-Hippolytus – Rome | Paul’s imprisonment and beheading illustrate Roman treatment of citizen-Christians. His martyrdom strengthened early church witness. (From “Acts of Paul,” 2nd–3rd century) |
| Marcellus of Ancyra – Ancyra | Paul endured Roman persecution and was executed by sword. His letters continue to instruct the faithful. (From fragments cited in later historians, 4th century) |
| Ephraim of Nisibis – Nisibis | Paul’s death exemplifies holy obedience under persecution. Beheading was the prescribed method for Roman citizens. (From Syriac Commentaries, 4th century) |
| Severus of Antioch – Antioch | Paul’s martyrdom under Nero confirms the cost of apostolic mission. His letters remain authoritative in church instruction. (From “Sermons,” 6th century) |
| Basil the Great – Caesarea | Paul suffered death but his teaching remained immortal. His martyrdom demonstrates faith over fear. (From “Letters,” 4th century) |
| Gregory Nazianzen – Cappadocia | Paul’s death by Roman sword shows courage in preaching the gospel. Apostolic faith transcends mortal life. (From “Orations,” 4th century) |
| Ambrosiaster – Rome | Paul faced execution faithfully under Nero. Beheading was a privilege for citizens, even in martyrdom. (From Commentaries on Romans, 4th century) |
| Victorinus of Pettau – Pettau | Paul died in Rome, upholding truth unto death. His martyrdom validates the apostolic witness. (From “Commentary on Revelation,” 3rd century) |
| Hesychius of Jerusalem – Jerusalem | Paul endured Roman execution, leaving enduring writings. His beheading reinforced the example of apostolic courage. (From “Commentaries on the Epistles,” 5th century) |
| Epiphanius of Pavia – Pavia | Paul’s faith led him to martyrdom by the sword. Roman citizenship dictated the method of his death. (From local historical traditions, 4th century) |
| John of Damascus – Damascus | Paul’s execution illustrates steadfastness and commitment to God’s call. His letters continue to teach the church. (From “Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” 8th century) |
| Maximus of Turin – Turin | Paul was beheaded in Rome, remaining obedient until death. His martyrdom models faithful service and perseverance. (From “Sermons,” 4th–5th century) |
| Pelagius – Rome | Paul’s death by Roman authority confirms his commitment to gospel mission. His writings remain a guide for moral and spiritual life. (From “Commentary on Romans,” 5th century) |
| Fulgentius of Ruspe – Carthage | Paul’s beheading reflects unwavering devotion to Christ. His martyrdom strengthened church resolve. (From “Letters,” 5th–6th century) |
| Procopius of Gaza – Gaza | Paul endured imprisonment and execution with courage. His death validates the apostles’ mission and teachings. (From “Commentaries,” 5th century) |
| Dionysius of Alexandria – Alexandria | Paul’s martyrdom was a faithful witness under Nero’s rule. His letters guide the church beyond death. (From “Ecclesiastical History,” fragments, 3rd century) |
| Fortunatianus of Aquileia – Aquileia | Paul died by beheading in Rome, showing courage and fidelity. His letters continue to influence Christian thought. (From “Letters,” 4th century) |
| Methodius of Olympus – Olympus | Paul’s martyrdom reflects obedience to God’s will. His life exemplifies apostolic courage and mission. (From “Banquet of the Ten Virgins,” 3rd century) |
| Augustine of Hippo – Hippo Regius | Paul’s death demonstrates the cost of apostleship and faith under persecution. His letters endure as moral and theological guidance. (From “City of God,” 5th century) |
| Cyprian of Carthage – Carthage | Paul remained faithful unto death, strengthening the church through martyrdom. Beheading symbolized the final witness of a Roman citizen-apostle. (From “Letters,” 3rd century) |
| Eusebius of Caesarea – Caesarea | Paul’s martyrdom was orderly yet courageous, executed under Nero. His letters continue shaping the Christian faith. (From “Ecclesiastical History,” Book II, 4th century) |
| Tertullian – Carthage | Paul’s martyrdom exemplifies ultimate obedience and witness. Beheading was a Roman citizen’s form of execution. (From “Scorpiace,” 3rd century) |
| Jerome – Bethlehem | Paul died in Rome, faithful to Christ, and was buried at the site now marked by the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. His martyrdom provides a lasting model for Christians. (From “De Viris Illustribus,” 4th century) |
The Apostle Paul's Last Words Before His Death To Timothy In The Scriptures
2 Timothy 4:9-22 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
- 10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
- 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
- 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
- 13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
- 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
- 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Continuation of the Apostle Paul's Last Words In Scripture to Timothy
- 16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
- 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
- 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- 19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
- 20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
- 21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
- 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
