The Oldest Known Portrait of the Apostle Paul?

Hidden inside a grotto in ancient Ephesus is what may be the oldest surviving painted image of the Apostle Paul. Created only a few centuries after Paul’s lifetime, the portrait bears a striking resemblance to early descriptions of his appearance: short, bald, bowlegged, with hollow eyes and a crooked nose. Even more surprising is the scene painted beside him—a young woman listening as Paul teaches about chastity. This image offers a rare glimpse into how early Christians remembered Paul beyond the writings preserved in the biblical canon. Subscribe to August Media for more historically grounded explorations of archaeology, early Christianity, and the ancient world. #SaintPaul #Ephesus #BiblicalArchaeology #EarlyChristianity #ChristianHistory #AncientHistory #AugustMedia