Saint Paul the First Hermit, also known as Saint Paul of Thebes, was an Egyptian hermit and an early model of the eremitical Christian life. He was born in Lower Thebaid, Egypt, and was orphaned at around the age of fifteen. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Trajan Decius, he went into hiding to protect his faith.
At the age of twenty two, Saint Paul withdrew permanently into the desert to escape a plot by his brother in law, who intended to report him to the authorities as a Christian in order to seize his property. What began as an act of self protection soon became a lifelong calling. Saint Paul discovered a deep love for solitude and prayer, choosing to live the rest of his long life in a desert cave devoted entirely to contemplation.
His quiet life was later interrupted by a visit from Saint Anthony the Great, who sought him out in the desert. After Saint Paul’s death, Saint Anthony buried him, tradition says, using a cloak that had been given to him by Saint Athanasius. According to legend, two lions helped Saint Anthony dig the grave.
Although there is little doubt about the historical existence of Saint Paul, most of what is known about his life comes from the Vita Pauli, written by Saint Jerome and preserved in both Latin and Greek traditions.