Paul the Apostle
The former Pharisee persecutor Saul of Tarsus — lowered over Damascus's wall in a basket by unnamed disciples, missionary across the Roman Empire, and aged prisoner who called a restored John Mark 'very useful to me for ministry.'
Born in Tarsus of Cilicia and trained as a zealous Pharisee, Saul breathed threats and murder against the church until the risen Jesus blinded and commissioned him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19). Days later, when assassins guarded the city gates day and night, the newly converted apostle had to humble himself and sit inside a woven basket while unnamed disciples held the ropes and lowered him down the outer wall (Acts 9:23–25; 2 Corinthians 11:32–33).
Known as Paul from his first missionary journey onward (Acts 13:9), he planted churches across Asia Minor and Greece and authored the New Testament epistles of Ephesians, Colossians, and Romans. Though he initially refused to take young John Mark on the second missionary journey after Mark's panic at Pamphylia (Acts 15:38), Paul later celebrated Mark's restoration — writing from his final Roman dungeon, 'Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry' (2 Timothy 4:11).
Restoring John Mark — Barnabas Mentoring John Mark
Barnabas patiently mentors a panicked deserter in Cyprus until he authors the Gospel of Mark.
Holding the Rope — Saul's Basket Escape at Damascus
Unsung disciples lower Saul down the Damascus city wall at midnight to preserve his calling.
