Auto-generated Transcript:
Hello and welcome to another Five Good Minutes, where I answer your theological questions in five minutes or less.
Today’s question: Did Saul of Tarsus have his name changed to the Apostle Paul?
This is a great question—and one that often causes confusion. Many people assume that God changed Saul’s name to Paul after his conversion, just like He did for others in Scripture, such as Abram to Abraham or Jacob to Israel. But is that really what happened?
Let’s dig into it.
Names in the Bible Have Meaning
In Scripture, names often carry deep spiritual significance. Abram becomes Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude.” Sarai becomes Sarah, meaning “mother of nations.” Jacob becomes Israel, meaning “one who wrestles with God.” These name changes reflect a change in identity and a covenant with God.
So, what about Saul?
Saul Was Also Called Paul
When we first meet Saul in Acts 7, he is a persecutor of the church, present at the stoning of Stephen. He is clearly against Jesus and the gospel.
But in Acts 9, Saul is dramatically converted on the road to Damascus. Interestingly, he continues to be called Saul even after this powerful moment.
It’s not until Acts 13:9 that we read:
“But Saul, who was also called Paul…”
This indicates that Saul didn’t have a name change. Instead, he had two names all along—Saul (his Hebrew name) and Paul (his Roman name). Luke, the author of Acts, simply begins using “Paul” as the apostle’s ministry turns toward Gentile (non-Jewish) audiences.
Why Two Names?
Paul’s dual citizenship—Jewish by heritage and Roman by birth—allowed him to carry both a Hebrew and a Roman name. This became a powerful asset in his missionary work, as he ministered to both Jews and Gentiles.
As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:
“To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews… I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”
Using his Roman name in Gentile territory made the gospel more accessible. It was strategic and missional, not the result of a divine renaming.
The Real Change Was in the Heart
While there was no official name change from Saul to Paul, there was a profound change in identity. Saul the persecutor became Paul the preacher. His heart was transformed by Christ, and his life’s mission shifted from destroying the church to building it.
Conclusion
No, Saul did not become Paul because God changed his name. He always had both names. Saul was his Hebrew name; Paul was his Roman name. As the gospel moved outward to the Gentile world, Luke began using “Paul” to reflect the broader reach of his ministry.
The true transformation was not in a name—it was in a redeemed heart, devoted to Jesus.
This has been another Five Good Minutes.