My impressions of Paul

I am SO enjoying our study of Paul's missions and epistles this year in gospel doctrine class. It is fun to gain little insights into Paul's personality and how unabashed he is to share his anger and disappointment (as in Galatians), his weaknesses and "temptations" (better translated as "trials"), and his unending zeal and energy as it appears to me that he is doing all he can to make up for the persecution and damage he did to the early days of Christianity.

Oh, and I'm equally impressed with how Paul was able to support both himself and his companions on their lengthy missions, probably through his tentmaking efforts, while still bringing the gospel to the Greeks and Jews throughout Asia Minor:

Acts 20:33-35 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

(Sounds a little bit like King Benjamin doesn't it.)

He was so successful as a missionary that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord:

Acts 19:10 And this [Paul’s teaching] continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

As Paul is warning the church leaders from Ephesus, we see how concerned he is for the flock that he has nurtured and taught, even to the point of tears:

Acts 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things [i.e. they’ll distort the truth and mislead the people], to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch [i.e. be on your guard], and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Add to this the personal witness of Paul's physical appearance and demeanor from Joseph Smith:
"He is about 5 foot high; very dark hair; dark complexion; dark skin; large Roman nose; sharp face; small black eyes, penetrating as eternity; round shoulders; a whining voice, except when elevated and then it almost resembles the roaring of a Lion." (from Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected and arranged by Joseph Fielding Smith, p.180)