Most Christians have heard the dramatic story: Saul, the zealous persecutor of the early church, encounters Jesus on the Damascus road, and God changes his name to Paul to mark his transformation into Christianity’s most influential apostle. It’s a powerful narrative of conversion and new identity.

There’s just one problem: that’s not what the Bible actually says happened.

 

THE BIBLICAL ACCOUNT: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED

If we look carefully at Scripture, we never find a moment where God renames Saul as Paul. Instead, we find the pivotal verse in Acts 13:9: “But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…” This verse reveals something fascinating—Saul already had both names.

Luke, the author of Acts, initially refers to him exclusively as “Saul” from his introduction in Acts 7 through his early ministry. Then, starting in Acts 13 during his first missionary journey to Cyprus, Luke begins using “Paul” almost exclusively. This shift happens precisely when Saul’s ministry pivots toward predominantly Gentile audiences.

The transition wasn’t the result of a renaming ceremony initiated by God. Rather, it reflects a strategic ministry decision at a crucial turning point in the spread of the gospel.

 

FROM SAUL TO PAUL: THE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT

Understanding Paul’s name requires familiarity with the cultural naming practices of his era. The first-century Roman world featured complex identity markers that Paul navigated strategically in his ministry.

• Dual-naming customs in the first-century Roman world: Many Jews living under Roman rule had two names—a Hebrew/Aramaic name used among fellow Jews, and a Greek or Roman name for interactions with the wider Greco-Roman world. This practice helped them navigate both their religious and civic identities in a pluralistic society.
• Saul: His Hebrew/Jewish name from birth: “Saul” reflected his Jewish heritage as a member of the tribe of Benjamin, likely named after King Saul, Israel’s first king from the same tribe. The name connected him deeply to his Jewish roots and education “at the feet of Gamaliel” (Acts 22:3).
• Paul (Paulus): His Roman name, likely held since birth: As a Roman citizen (Acts 22:28), Paul would have received a Roman name from birth as part of his citizenship rights. “Paulus” was a common Roman family name, allowing him natural entry into Gentile contexts.
• Strategic significance of using his Roman name during ministry to Gentiles: When Paul’s ministry focus shifted primarily to Gentile audiences, emphasising his Roman name removed potential cultural barriers. The strategic choice facilitated his unique calling as the “apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13).

 

FROM SAUL TO PAUL: THE THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The timing of the shift from “Saul” to “Paul” in Acts corresponds exactly with Paul’s commissioned work to the Gentiles taking full effect. This wasn’t coincidental but providentially orchestrated by God. The sovereign Lord who had set Paul apart “from birth” (Galatians 1:15) was now deploying all aspects of his identity—including his dual cultural naming—for kingdom purposes.

John Calvin, commenting on Paul’s conversion and calling, emphasises how God sovereignly prepared and positioned Paul for this specific ministry: “God had adorned Paul with many excellent gifts…that he might be a profitable and chosen instrument to spread the gospel.” This included his bicultural identity reflected in his two names.

The name transition symbolises Paul’s understanding of his new identity and mission in Christ. As he would later write, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Using his Roman name Paul while ministering in the Roman world exemplified this missional flexibility.

 

CONCLUSION: FROM SAUL TO PAUL

The story of Saul becoming known as Paul isn’t about God dramatically changing his name. Rather, it reveals how God sovereignly works through the details of our lives—even our names—to accomplish His purposes. Paul already possessed both names, but the emphasis shifted as his ministry context changed.

The truth behind Paul’s name carries a profound lesson: God often works through the ordinary details of our lives and identities rather than dramatically overwriting them. In His perfect providence, He weaves our background, culture, language, and even our names into His redemptive purposes—just as He did with the apostle who was known both as Saul and as Paul.

 

FROM SAUL TO PAUL: RELATED FAQs

Was the name “Paul” chosen specifically because of its meaning? Unlike many biblical name changes that carry symbolic meaning (such as Abram to Abraham), there’s no evidence the name “Paul” was chosen for its meaning. The name “Paulus” in Latin actually means “small” or “humble,” which some have connected to Paul’s statement about being “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). However, NT Wright argues this is likely coincidental, as Paul probably had the Roman name from birth due to his citizenship status.

• How does Paul’s dual naming reflect the Reformed concept of “cultural engagement”? Michael Kruger of Reformed Theological Seminary points out Paul’s strategic use of his different names demonstrates a biblical model for cultural engagement. Paul didn’t abandon his Jewish identity (Saul) when ministering to Gentiles, nor did he hide his Roman identity (Paul) when addressing Jewish audiences. This reflects the Reformed principle of being “in but not of” the world—maintaining distinct Christian identity while thoughtfully engaging with surrounding culture.
• Did Paul’s letters show any awareness of his dual naming? Interestingly, Paul never references his Hebrew name “Saul” in any of his letters—he consistently identifies himself as “Paul” in all his epistles. Richard Gaffin of Westminster Theological Seminary suggests this indicates Paul fully embraced his apostolic identity and mission to the Gentile world. His self-identification as “Paul” in writing doesn’t mean he abandoned “Saul,” but rather shows his focused sense of calling within the primarily Gentile churches to whom he wrote.

What do other biblical name changes teach us that might apply to Saul/Paul? The Bible contains several divine name changes—Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter. These explicit changes marked new covenant relationships and identities. NT Wright contrasts these with Paul’s case, noting the absence of a divine renaming ceremony highlights how God often works through our existing identities rather than replacing them.

• How does Paul’s name usage relate to his teaching on Christian identity? Richard Gaffin points out Paul’s fluid movement between cultural identities (reflected in his names) aligns with his own teaching about Christian identity. In passages such as Galatians 3:28 and Colossians 3:11, Paul emphasises how Christ transcends cultural divisions while not erasing cultural distinctives. His use of both names at appropriate times modelled this theological principle—showing how Christians can honour their heritage while prioritising their new identity in Christ.
• Did early church fathers comment on the Saul/Paul name transition? Several church fathers, including Augustine and John Chrysostom, commented on Paul’s name change, often assuming it resulted directly from his conversion. Michael Kruger notes while these interpretations reflect theological creativity, they demonstrate how early Christians saw Paul’s ministry as marking a decisive break with his past. Reformed tradition values these patristic insights while emphasising closer attention to the biblical text itself, which shows the change was more gradual and contextual.

How might Paul’s name usage inform modern missionary approaches? NT Wright suggests Paul’s strategic name usage offers a model for contextual ministry. Missionaries today face similar questions about adopting local names or customs when crossing cultural boundaries. Paul’s example suggests wisdom in using elements of one’s identity that build bridges without compromising core convictions.

 

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