Image: A Fresco of St. Paul
A fresco with the image of the Apostle Paul was discovered in ancient catacomb in Rome. According to the authorities, the fresco is 1,400 years old. Below is an excerpt from an article published in The Telegraph.
The fresco was found during restoration work at the Catacombs of San Gennaro (Saint Januarius) in the southern port city of Naples by experts from the Pontifical Commission of Sacred Art.
The announcement was made on the feast day of St Peter and Paul which is traditionally a bank holiday in Rome and details of the discovery were disclosed in the Vatican’s official newspaper L’Osservatore Romano.
A photograph released by the Vatican shows the apostle, famous for his conversion to Christianity from Judaism, with a long neck, a slightly pink complexion, thinning hair, a beard and big eyes that give his face a “spiritual air.”
The article provides information about the discovery and a brief description of the work of Paul. Read the article in its entirety by visiting The Telegraph online.
Watch a video about the discovery of the fresco:
Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary
Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament 
I find it fascinating that archeologist discovers artifacts that revolve around our Christian heritage. However, the one problem I have with discoveries is the way these items are made into icons. When Gary and I were in Italy, specifically in Rome and the Vatican I was bothered by the shrines and altars built with bones, and artifacts of the disciples, and their Popes. What do you think of this discovery professor?
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Michele,
This is the danger with discoveries such as this one. This is the reason God said that believers should not make an image of God. People tend to worship the creation of their own hands. This is the beginning of idolatry.
Thank you for your comment.
Claude Mariottini
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Well, it is possible that Paul looked like that painting but over 300 years after his life seems like an awfully long time. It is more of a witness to the veneration of the Churh in the 5th century than than it says about what Paul might have looked like.
I wish we could know what he looked like but I think his humble description in 2 Cor will have to suffice.
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Daniel,
I agree with you. Just because a devout Christian painted an image of Paul, it does not mean that Paul looked like that. As you said, after 300 years no one would know what Paul looked like.
Claude Mariottini
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