Why is Saul also called Paul in Acts 13:9? The Scriptural Statement (Acts 13:9) “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at him.” This single verse introduces the dual identity that prompts the question. Commonality of Dual Names in the First-Century Jewish World Diaspora Jews regularly bore both a Hebrew (or Aramaic) name and a Greco-Roman name to navigate life under Roman rule. Examples include “Joseph, also called Barnabas” (Acts 4:36), “John, also called Mark” (Acts 12:12), and “Cephas, which means Peter” (John 1:42). Luke’s wording in Acts 13:9 follows this well-attested pattern, indicating pre-existing parallel names rather than a post-conversion renaming. Saul—A Hebrew Name Rooted in Israel’s History Saul (Hebrew: שָׁאוּל, Shaʾul) means “asked for” or “requested” and recalls Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 9). Paul highlights his Jewish pedigree: “circumcised the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Philippians 3:5). His Hebrew name therefore asserted continuity with covenant heritage and Pharisaic training in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3). Paul—A Roman Name Signaling Citizenship and Mission Paul (Greek: Παῦλος, Latin origin Paulus) means “small” or “humble.” Its Latin form corresponds with Paul’s inherited Roman citizenship (Acts 22:28). Possessing a Roman name was not merely cosmetic; it granted social accessibility throughout the empire—ideal for “the apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13). The Narrative Pivot: Why the Change Occurs at Acts 13 Up to Acts 13:9 Luke consistently uses “Saul.” From 13:13 forward he uses “Paul” except in recounting past events (e.g., Acts 22:7). Chapter 13 marks: • The formal commissioning by the Holy Spirit for Gentile outreach (Acts 13:2–4). • Departure from a predominantly Jewish setting (Antioch of Syria) to Roman Cyprus and Galatia. Luke therefore signals Paul’s outward-facing mission with the outward-facing name. Strategic Evangelistic Adaptation Paul later articulates the principle behind his practice: “I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Adopting his Roman name exemplified cultural accommodation without doctrinal compromise, maximizing Gospel penetration in Hellenistic cities along Roman roads (cf. Acts 16:37–40; 22:25). Not a Divine Renaming Event Unlike Abram → Abraham (Genesis 17:5) or Jacob → Israel (Genesis 32:28), no revelatory voice changes Saul’s name. Luke simply notes the coexistence of two names already in use. The transformation of character occurred at conversion (Acts 9); the lexical switch in Acts 13 is narrative strategy, not sacramental renaming. Possible Link to Sergius Paulus and Archaeological Corroboration Acts 13:7–12 records the conversion of Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus. Inscriptions referencing the “Sergii Paulli” family have been discovered at Soloi (Cyprus) and Pisidian Antioch, confirming this family’s provincial prominence under Claudius—corroborating Luke’s chronology. While the shared cognomen is intriguing, textual syntax (“who was also called”) shows Paul’s Roman name existed prior to the proconsul’s faith; the incident merely highlights providential symmetry rather than origin. Theological and Pastoral Implications 1. Sovereignty and Mission: God orchestrates even personal names to advance the Gospel across linguistic and cultural frontiers. 2. Humility: The meaning “small” aligns with Paul’s self-designation, “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). 3. Identity in Christ: While cultural tools are employed (Romans 9:1-5; Acts 21:39), ultimate identity rests in union with the risen Lord (Galatians 2:20). Concise Answer Saul was “also called Paul” because, like many first-century Jews, he possessed both a Hebrew name (Saul) and a Roman name (Paul). Luke switches to “Paul” in Acts 13 when the apostle’s ministry turns decisively toward the Gentile world, reflecting strategic cultural adaptation rather than a supernatural renaming. The manuscript record, linguistic data, and archaeological findings fully corroborate this straightforward explanation. |
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