What other biblical figures experienced a name change that signified a new mission? A Fresh Name for Simon John 1:42: “Andrew led him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated as Peter).” • Cephas/Peter means “rock.” • Jesus signals a brand-new mission: Peter will become a foundational “stone” in the building of Christ’s church (Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:4-5). • This moment fits a pattern the Lord has used for centuries—reshaping a life by reshaping a name. God’s Pattern of Renaming for Mission Below are key examples where the Lord (or His appointed servant) gives a new name that matches a new calling. Abram ➜ Abraham – Father of Nations Genesis 17:5: “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.” • Abram (“exalted father”) becomes Abraham (“father of a multitude”). • The new title mirrors a covenant promise: descendants as countless as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Sarai ➜ Sarah – Mother of Nations Genesis 17:15: “As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for her name will be Sarah.” • Both names relate to “princess,” yet the change signals expanded influence. • Through Sarah, kings and peoples will come (Genesis 17:16). Jacob ➜ Israel – Striver With God Genesis 32:28: “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.” • Jacob (“supplanter”) wrestles all night and receives Israel (“he strives with God”). • The new name frames his mission as patriarch of the twelve tribes (Genesis 35:10-12). Hoshea ➜ Joshua – The LORD Is Salvation Numbers 13:16: “Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.” • Hoshea (“salvation”) becomes Joshua (“Yahweh is salvation”). • Joshua’s assignment: lead Israel into the promised land—a living picture of God saving His people (Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:1-6). Gideon ➜ Jerubbaal – Let Baal Contend Judges 6:32: “So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, saying, ‘Let Baal contend with him,’ because he had torn down Baal’s altar.” • The new label memorializes Gideon’s stand against idolatry. • Every time the name is spoken, Israel is reminded that false gods are powerless. Solomon ➜ Jedidiah – Loved by the LORD 2 Samuel 12:24-25: “They named him Solomon… and the LORD sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah, because the LORD loved him.” • Solomon’s court name highlights wisdom and peace; Jedidiah underscores divine affection. • Both prepare him to build the temple and shepherd God’s people (1 Kings 5:5). Saul ➜ Paul – Little One, Great Commission Acts 13:9: “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…” • “Saul” recalls Israel’s first king; “Paul” means “small.” • The new name fits an apostle who embraces humility to reach the Gentile world (Acts 13:46-47; 1 Corinthians 15:9-10). Additional Snapshots • Joseph ➜ Zaphenath-paneah (Genesis 41:45) – Pharaoh’s title for Joseph’s lifesaving role in Egypt. • Daniel ➜ Belteshazzar (Daniel 1:7) – A Babylonian attempt to redefine identity; Daniel’s faith shows that only God truly names His servants. • Joses ➜ Barnabas (Acts 4:36) – “Son of Encouragement,” a fitting label for a man who champions others, including Saul/Paul. What It All Teaches • The Lord’s renaming is never cosmetic; it reveals destiny. • Each new name comes with a fresh mission and a promise of divine enablement. • Simon Peter’s story stands in line with Abraham, Joshua, and the rest—proof that when God speaks a new name over a life, He also supplies the grace to live it. |
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