Paul did not "transform Christianity from a local Jewish cult into a worldwide religion". That was done through military force. Convert, or be burnt at the stake, heretic.
Christians were being thrown to the lions for spreading to too many people long before Christians had the power to throw others to the lions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians_in_t...
Christians were being thrown to the lions for spreading to too many people long before Christians had the power to throw others to the lions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians_in_t...