# Paul — Olney Hymns character guide

> Paul in Olney Hymns by John Newton.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0002-book-i-on-select-texts-of-scripture

## Snapshot

The persecutor blinded on the Damascus road who became the tireless apostle to the Gentiles, writing letters that still shape Christian thought.

## Who they are

Paul moves through the early church as both its most feared enemy and its most relentless builder, a man whose past violence against believers haunts every congregation he later plants. His letters wrestle openly with the tension between the law he once defended and the grace that overturned him, and he never quite stops describing himself as the chief of sinners. For readers of these hymns, Paul matters because his voice supplies the theological spine — faith, justification, and the freedom of the gospel — on which Newton and Cowper hang their verses.

## In the story

### [The Trembling Gaoler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/123-the-trembling-gaoler)

Imprisoned with Silas, sings praises, and directs the gaoler to look to Jesus for salvation.

### [The Exorcists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/124-the-exorcists)

The apostle whose preaching and faith in Jesus' name worked wonders.

### [Paul's Voyage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/125-paul-s-voyage)

Central figure whose voyage and faith are the focus of the poem.

### [My Grace Is Sufficient for Thee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/129-my-grace-is-sufficient-for-thee)

The speaker references Paul's experience of boasting in weakness, aligning with the apostle's testimony.

### [I: Seasons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/i-seasons)

His farewell charge to the Ephesian elders is referenced, highlighting the preacher's responsibility and the hope of reunion in glory.

### [After Sermons to Young People on New-Year’s Evenings, Suited to the Subjects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/after-sermons-to-young-people-on-new-year-s-evenings-suited-to-the-subjects)

Paul's farewell to his friends is cited as an example of the hope of reunion in glory and the responsibility of preachers.

### [Paul's Farewell Charge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/28-paul-s-farewell-charge)

The central figure, parting from his friends with tears but confident in future reunion.

### [Providences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iii-providences)

Used as an example of a minister whose death does not leave the church without resource.

### [Funeral Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/funeral-hymns)

Referenced in 'On the Death of a Minister' as an example of a minister who has run his course, with the assurance that God's resources are not exhausted.

### [On the Death of a Minister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/73-on-the-death-of-a-minister)

Mentioned as having run his course, representing faithful ministers who finish their work.

### [Encouragement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/9-encouragement)

Formerly Saul, who persecuted the Lord's people but was received to favor and made a child of God.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/paul
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters