The answer is: Paul

Acts 9:15 - The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, played a crucial role in early Christianity despite not being one of the original twelve apostles. After his dramatic conversion, he became a leading missionary, paving the way for spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13).

Isn't it fascinating how even those who weren’t part of Jesus’ original crew made monumental contributions? Paul, once Saul of Tarsus, is often seen as a paradox in Christian history. He went from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the most influential figures of the faith! A fun fact is that Paul wrote nearly half of the New Testament—with 13 epistles attributed to him. This rapid shift in his life story echoes the theme of redemption—a key aspect of Christian teaching.

After his transformation on the road to Damascus, Paul didn’t just preach to Jews; he took the message of Jesus to the Gentiles, expanding Christianity beyond its Jewish roots (Acts 13:46-47). This move was revolutionary and set the stage for a diverse, global faith. Interestingly, because he wasn’t part of the original twelve, some questioned his authority, but that didn’t stop him! He labeled himself "an apostle born out of due time" (1 Corinthians 15:8), highlighting his unique and pivotal role in one of the most significant spiritual movements in history.

While the twelve apostles walked closely with Jesus during His earthly ministry, Paul’s impact exemplifies how the message of faith can transcend personal histories and human limitations. His tireless missionary journeys and theological insights provided a solid foundation for the early church and resonate with us today, reminding us that transformative journeys can begin from unexpected places.