From Saul to Paul: A Transformation of Identity and Mission

The story of Saul of Tarsus transforming into the Apostle Paul is one of the most remarkable narratives of spiritual and cultural transformation in the New Testament. This shift is not merely a matter of nomenclature; it reflects the profound change in his identity, purpose, and mission as ordained by God. Understanding this journey requires examining the biblical text, historical context, and spiritual symbolism behind the name change.

1. Saul: His Hebrew Identity

Saul was a common Jewish name derived from Hebrew, meaning “asked for” or “prayed for” (1 Samuel 9:2). Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee, a student of Gamaliel, and a zealous defender of the Jewish faith. His early life and ministry were marked by a fervent opposition to the early followers of Jesus Christ. Acts 8:3 recounts, “But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.” His Hebrew name signified his identity within the Jewish community, tied to their heritage, law, and traditions.

2. Conversion on the Road to Damascus

Saul’s life changed dramatically on the road to Damascus. In Acts 9:3-6, we read: “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’… ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”

This encounter was more than a moment of conversion; it was a divine appointment that reshaped his purpose. From that point, Saul became a follower of Christ, but his identity as a Jew remained. The name Saul still anchored him to his heritage while he began the difficult work of reconciling his past with his new mission.

3. The First Mention of Paul

The earliest scriptural evidence of Saul being called Paul appears in Acts 13:9: “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said…” This occurs during Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas in Cyprus. The timing is significant. By now, Saul’s mission is no longer confined to Jewish communities; he is actively reaching out to the Gentiles, the non-Jewish peoples of the Roman Empire.

4. The Roman Name and Cultural Context

The use of a Roman name, Paul (Paulus), was practical. Saul was from Tarsus, a Roman city in Cilicia, and having a Roman name allowed him to move freely and be respected in Gentile territories. In the Roman world, it was common for Jews to have two names: one Hebrew and one Greco-Roman. Using “Paul” allowed him to bridge cultures without renouncing his Jewish heritage.

The name Paul itself means “small” or “humble.” This is spiritually significant, reflecting the apostle’s transformed self-perception. Whereas Saul had been a zealous persecutor of Christians, Paul’s ministry would be characterized by humility, servitude, and dependence on God’s power rather than his own. In 1 Corinthians 15:9, Paul humbly states, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

5. Gradual Transition in Scripture

The name change was not instantaneous. Early Acts passages continue to refer to him as Saul, particularly in contexts closely tied to Jewish audiences (Acts 9:17, Acts 11:25-26). The transition to “Paul” coincides with his expanding outreach to Gentiles and his growing role as a missionary to the Roman world. This duality of names reflects the dual nature of his ministry: rooted in the promises of Israel but sent to bring the gospel to all nations.

6. Symbolic Transformation

Biblically, name changes often signify divine transformation or a new mission: Abram became Abraham (Genesis 17:5), Jacob became Israel (Genesis 32:28), and Simon became Peter (Matthew 16:18). Similarly, Saul becoming Paul marks his new identity in Christ and his calling to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. His former life as a persecutor is left behind, and his humility and obedience define his new role.

7. Legacy of Paul

Paul’s writings, missions, and enduring influence demonstrate that his identity in Christ superseded his former self. The name Paul became synonymous with the apostolic message to the Gentiles, the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, and the theological depth found in his epistles. His name embodies the truth that God can take a life once steeped in opposition and use it for global purposes.

Conclusion

The transition from Saul to Paul was more than a matter of convenience or cultural assimilation. It symbolized a divine reorientation of purpose, identity, and mission. Saul, the persecutor, became Paul, the humble apostle to the Gentiles, illustrating the transformative power of Christ. His journey reminds believers today that God can redeem and redirect any life, calling them to a purpose far beyond what they could have imagined.