RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-12-23	Why Was Saul's Name Changed to Paul?
		We first see Saul as a persecutor of Christians (Ac.7:58), and specifically at the stoning of Stephen (Ac.7:54-60). By the time we get to Acts 9 we see the conversion of Saul to Christ (Ac.9:1-18) Jesus speaks to Saul saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Ac.9:4) Many associate the name change with Saul's conversion. However, at the time of Saul’s conversion, Jesus still addressed him as “Saul.” Also, Jesus in a vision told Ananias to find “Saul” in Damascus and restore his sight (Ac.9:10-18). After receiving his sight Saul went to many synagogues to proclaim Jesus (Ac.9:19-22). Saul continued to increase in spiritual strength and understanding of Jesus. So how or when did the name change from Saul to Paul happen? The answer is that Saul’s name was also Paul. The custom of dual names was common in those days (Ac.13:9). Act 13:9  Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him. From this verse forward, Saul is always referred to in Scripture as Paul. So his name did not actually change. Instead he chose to stop using the Hebrew name (Saul) for the sake of his calling to the Gentiles. Paul was a Jew, born in the Roman city of Tarsus. He was proud of his Jewish heritage (Ph.3:5). Php 3:5  circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee. He chose to use his Hebrew name, Saul, until after he began to preach Christ. Saul was called by Jesus to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Ro.11:13). And so he began to use his Roman name, Paul. It certainly makes sense for him to use his Roman name as he traveled into the Gentile world. Paul was instructed directly by Jesus concerning the Gospel and not from any man (Ga.1:11-12). Gal 1:11  But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. Gal 1:12  For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. This instruction from Jesus took place in the desert of Arabia for three years (Ga.1:17-18). This was before Paul went on his first missionary journey (Ac.13-14). Paul's point to the Galatians was that the content of the Gospel he proclaimed was no different than the other apostles. So using his Roman (Gentile) name allowed him to approach Gentiles whom he was called to minister to. For the gospel's sake Paul became as a Jew to win them. He became as a Gentile to win them (1Co.9:19-23). The name Paul means, “little”. That does not sound very complementary. It appears Paul had the same attitude as John the Baptist toward Jesus, who said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn.3:30). So Saul used the uncomplimentary name, Paul, for the sake of the gospel. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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