The When and Why of Saul’s Name Change to Paul: A Biblical Exploration
The Common Misconception
Often, people assume that Saul changed his name to Paul after becoming a believer, after the dramatic moment of his conversion on the road to Damascus. However, this assumption is inaccurate. The truth is more complex and interesting, as we will explore.
The Common Misconception Continued
It is commonly believed that Saul changed his name to Paul to hide his past as a persecutor of Christians and to present himself as a reformed man. While this theory is tempting, it is not supported by biblical or historical evidence.
“As a Benjamite Pharisee, Saul persecuted Christians severely. He changed his name to Paul to hide his bad past to obtain a following of Christians who believed he was reformed and would accept his brand of Christianity that he taught and spread.”
The Actual Name Change
The truth is that Saul and Paul always had both names. In fact, Saul’s name change to Paul was the result of a shift in his identity and mission within the early Christian church. The only indication of this name change is found in the Book of Acts: “But Saul who was also known as Paul.”
The name change happened years after Saul’s conversion and is indicative of his new role in the Christian community. From that point on, he is always referred to as Paul, signifying his transformation andmission to spread the message of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
Understanding the Name
To better understand Saul and Paul, it is important to look at the origins of their names. Saul means “something asked for” in Hebrew, while Paul is a Roman name that emerged during the period of Hellenization. This duality in names reflects the cultural and theological transition Saul underwent in the early stages of his faith journey.
“As with Abram/Abra...” – This is an example of the dual naming, reflecting the different cultural backgrounds Saul/Paul had.
The Significance of the Name Change
The change from Saul to Paul carries profound significance in the context of early Christianity:
Identity and Mission: Paul’s name change symbolizes his transformation from a persecutor to a missionary. It represents a new identity and a new mission in spreading the Christian message. Cultural Adaptation: As Paul preached to Gentiles, a Roman name would have been beneficial for reaching a wider audience. This suggests a strategic choice to connect better with his audience. Evangelistic Tool: This change may have also served as a tool for evangelism, as using a Roman name could have helped Paul in his interactions with non-Jewish people.“Saul’s name change to Paul represents his transformation and mission to spread the message of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.”
Jesus’ Evaluation of Saul/Paul
It is important to note that even after Saul’s conversion, Jesus did not see him as a reformed man but instead referred to him as a ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing and a false prophet. According to the New Testament, Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
Similarly, in the Old Testament, Jacob, as a father figure, described Saul as a ravenous wolf who had devoured and divided (Genesis 49:27).
Conclusion: A Biblical Perspective
The name change from Saul to Paul is a profound event in the life of the apostle. It symbolizes a significant transformation and a new mission in the early Christian church. The historical context, the cultural shift, and the supportive evidence in the New Testament all contribute to a more nuanced understanding of this biblical figure.
In conclusion, while the name change is a complex and multifaceted event, it is a powerful reflection of the apostle Paul’s journey from Saul, the persecutor, to the missionary and evangelist of the early Christian church.