Saul was Paul’s original name in the Bible.
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The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, did indeed have a different name before his conversion. His original name was Saul. This change in name symbolized the transformation he underwent after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus. The Bible provides insight into this significant event:
“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.'” – Acts 9:1-5
Paul’s encounter with Jesus led to a profound change in his life, including a shift in his identity and purpose. As a result, Saul became known as Paul, which became the name by which he is widely known and referred to in the New Testament.
To delve further into this topic, here are some interesting facts about Paul’s transformation:
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Hebrew and Roman names: Paul’s original name, Saul, was of Hebrew origin, while Paul is a Roman name, reflecting his dual citizenship as both a Jew and a Roman citizen.
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The significance of the name Saul: Saul’s name was likely given to him in honor of King Saul, the first king of Israel. This choice of name highlights his Jewish background and heritage.
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A persecutor turned missionary: Before his conversion, Saul persecuted early Christians and played a pivotal role in the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. However, his encounter with Jesus resulted in a complete change of heart and a passionate commitment to spreading the message of Christ.
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Paul’s apostleship to the Gentiles: Paul’s name change signified his mission to bring the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). His new name, Paul, meaning “small” or “humble,” seems fitting as it reflects the humility and zeal with which he embraced this task.
Here is a table summarizing the key points:
| Original Name | Transformed Name |
|---|---|
| Saul | Paul |
In conclusion, Paul’s original name in the Bible was Saul. Through his encounter with Jesus, Saul underwent a radical transformation, both in his identity and mission. As Paul, he became an instrumental figure in the early spread of Christianity, leaving an indelible mark on the faith.
On the Internet, there are additional viewpoints
Saul of TarsusSt. Paul the Apostle, original name Saul of Tarsus, (born 4 bce?, Tarsus in Cilicia [now in Turkey]—died c.
Paul [a] (also named Saul of Tarsus; [b] c. 5 – c. 64/65 AD), commonly known as Paul the Apostle and Saint Paul, was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world.
Acts 9 goes on to describe “Saul” as increasing in spiritual strength and understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. So, it was not Jesus who changed his name on the road to Damascus. If it wasn’t Jesus’ doing, how did the change from Saul to Paul happen, and when? The answer is that Saul’s name was also Paul.
So zealous and devout was he that persecuting Christians was the natural way for him to show his devotion. He chose to use his Hebrew name, Saul, until sometime after he began to believe in and preach Christ. After that time, as “ the apostle to the Gentiles ” ( Romans 11:13 ), he used his Roman name, Paul.
The apostle Paul was from Tarsus and when we first encounter him in the New Testament, he goes by the name Saul. Before his conversion, Paul initially opposed the followers of Jesus and vehemently sought to end the spread of the Gospel. Who Was Saul of Tarsus? Saul was a young man who was well educated and on his way to becoming a rabbi.
Paul’s Jewish name was "Saul" (Hebrew: שָׁאוּל, Modern: Sha’ûl, Tiberian: Šā’ûl), perhaps after the biblical King Saul, the first king of Israel and, like Paul, a member of the Tribe of Benjamin; the Latin name Paul, meaning small, was not a result of his conversion as it is commonly believed but a second name for use in communicating with a Greco-Roman audience.
Paul, whose original name was Saul, took the name familiar to us after his conversion to Christianity.
According to Acts in the New Testament, he was a Jewish Roman citizen who converted to Christianity after the resurrected Jesus appeared to him. After this he travelled the eastern Mediterranean as a missionary. His original Hebrew name was Saul.
Paul, in the New Testament known by his Hebrew name Saul until Acts 13:9, was apparently educated from boyhood in Jerusalem, not Tarsus (Acts 22:3).
See related video
In this section of the video, scholars Mauro Biglino and Paul Wallis present a different interpretation of the Bible, focusing on the name Yahweh. They discuss the uncertainty surrounding the pronunciation and meaning of Yahweh, highlighting that it was written without vowels and its true origin remains unknown. They argue that translating Yahweh as “Lord” or “The Eternal” is a form of invention. The speakers also explore the concept of Yahweh as one of the Elohim, or deities, in the original Bible story. They suggest that Yahweh identifies himself as one of the Elohim in certain passages and that the word Yahweh is a loanword. The discussion also touches on ancient stories from different cultures that depict non-human beings governing over humanity, suggesting a broader narrative in which Yahweh fits. Overall, this section raises questions about the nature and meaning of Yahweh and the need to reconsider traditional translations of the Bible.
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What was the Apostle Paul’s original name Why did his name change?
Response: God didn’t change the apostle’s name from Saul to Paul when the man from Tarsus became a Christian. That’s a myth far too many Christians believe and, more unfortunately, far too many pastors have taught Christians to believe.
Also, What was Paul’s Greek name in the Bible? As a response to this: Paûlos
Its prevalence in nations with a Christian heritage is primarily due to its attachment to Saint Paul the Apostle, whose Greek name was Παῦλος, Paûlos, a transliteration from the Latin, also carrying the "modest" meaning of this name, and chosen because of its similarity to his Jewish name Šaul.
Just so, Where did the name of Paul came from?
Answer will be: Latin
Paul is a boy’s name of Latin origin. A derivative of Paulus, this name means "small" or "humble." Paul is a popular choice among Christians and is associated with the disciple Saint Paul. In the Bible, he was a key figure in relaying the teachings of Jesus and preaching the gospel.
Where was Paul originally from in the Bible? Response will be: Tarsus
According to the Acts of the Apostles, Saul (Paul’s Jewish name; Acts 13:9) was born a Roman citizen in Tarsus in Cilicia (ancient Asia Minor, modern Turkey), a city brimming with Hellenistic culture, including a prominent school of Greek rhetoric.
Who was Paul the Apostle? Answer: Paul [a] (also named Saul of Tarsus; [b] c. 5 – c. 64/65 AD), commonly known as Paul the Apostle and Saint Paul, was a Christian apostle who spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world.
Accordingly, Did Jesus change his name from Saul to Paul? Answer: Acts 9 goes on to describe “Saul” as increasing in spiritual strength and understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. So, it was not Jesus who changed his name on the road to Damascus. If it wasn’t Jesus’ doing, how did the change from Saul to Paul happen, and when? The answer is that Saul’s name was also Paul.
People also ask, Why did Paul use a Hebrew name? Response will be: So zealous and devout was he that persecuting Christians was the natural way for him to show his devotion. He chose to use his Hebrew name, Saul, until sometime after he began to believe in and preach Christ. After that time, as “ the apostle to the Gentiles ” ( Romans 11:13 ), he used his Roman name, Paul.
Who was Paul of Tarsus?
In reply to that: The apostle Paul was from Tarsus and when we first encounter him in the New Testament, he goes by the name Saul. Before his conversion, Paul initially opposed the followers of Jesus and vehemently sought to end the spread of the Gospel. Who Was Saul of Tarsus? Saul was a young man who was well educated and on his way to becoming a rabbi.
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