Why is Saul also called Paul in Acts 13:9? Setting the Verse in Context Acts 13:9: “But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him.” Observations from Acts 13:9 • Scripture expressly states the apostle carried both names. • The mention appears at the moment Paul’s missionary focus turns decisively toward the Gentile world (Acts 13:46–47). • From this verse forward, Luke consistently uses “Paul.” Prior sections (Acts 7–13:8) used “Saul.” Meaning and Origin of Each Name • Saul — Hebrew: “asked for, prayed for.” Shared with Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 9:17). Reflects the apostle’s Jewish heritage: “a Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). • Paul — Latin: “Paulus,” meaning “small, humble.” Common in the Roman world, easily recognized across the empire. Why Scripture Shows Both Names • Dual Citizenship: Acts 22:25-28 affirms Paul’s Roman citizenship alongside his Israelite lineage (Romans 11:1). Two names fit his two legal and cultural standings. • Missional Strategy: To the Jews, he remained Saul; to the Gentiles, he used Paul, removing barriers to the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). • Narrative Turning Point: Luke marks the shift in terminology as the gospel moves from a primarily Jewish audience (Acts 1–12) to the Gentile mission (Acts 13 onward). • Historical Accuracy: Many first-century Jews in the diaspora held both Semitic and Greco-Roman names (e.g., John-Mark, Joseph-Barnabas), a practice faithfully recorded by Luke. Scriptural Parallels of Name Changes or Additions • Abram → Abraham (Genesis 17:5) • Sarai → Sarah (Genesis 17:15) • Jacob → Israel (Genesis 32:28) • Simon → Peter (John 1:42) Though Saul’s adoption of Paul is not portrayed as a divine rename like the examples above, it serves a comparable purpose—signaling a fresh phase in God’s unfolding plan. Pattern of Usage in Acts and the Epistles • “Saul” appears 15 times, all before Acts 13:9 except in Paul’s testimony recounting past events (Acts 22:7, 26:14). • “Paul” appears 132 times from Acts 13:9 through Revelation ; every New Testament letter authored by him opens with “Paul” (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; etc.). • The consistent epistolary self-identification underscores the settled, Spirit-led choice of his Gentile-friendly name. Takeaways for Believers Today • Scripture’s literal details are purposeful: a single verse explains a name shift that shapes the rest of the New Testament narrative. • God equips His servants with everything needed—heritage, language, even a name—to reach the audience He assigns (Galatians 2:8). • Flexibility in non-essential matters, coupled with steadfast fidelity to the gospel, advances Christ’s mission across cultural lines. |
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