# Saint Paul — Essays character guide

> Saint Paul in Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Paul

**First appearance:** 0001-self-reliance

## Who they are

Apostle whose writings form a key part of the New Testament.

## In the story

### [Circles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/circles)

Referenced indirectly via the quote 'Forgive his crimes, forgive his virtues too,' which is used to illustrate the need to cast away even our esteemed virtues in the process of reform and spiritual growth.

### [Politics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/politics)

Grouped with Plato as a man of truth whose impact permanently alters the system, representing spiritual and ideological force over temporal power.

### [Nominalist and Realist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/nominalist-and-realist)

Declared 'not dead' but alive, exemplifying the eternal return of influential spirits in new forms.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters/saint_paul
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters