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Summary
- Saul, originally a persecutor of Christians, was later known as Paul, a prominent apostle who spread the Gospel to Gentiles.
- The name change from Saul to Paul is noted in Acts 13:9 and reflects his mission shift rather than a divine renaming.
- Paul used the name “Paul” strategically in his ministry to connect better with non-Jewish audiences while retaining his Jewish identity.
- The meanings of the names highlight themes of humility and transformation, emphasizing God’s ability to use anyone for His purpose, regardless of their past.
Bibliography (Click to show)
Bibliography:
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- Why Are There So Many Name Changes in the Bible? | Christianity …, accessed June 11, 2025, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/why-are-there-so-many-name-changes-in-the-bible.html
- Why Did God Change Saul's Name to Paul? | Catholic Answers Q&A, accessed June 11, 2025, https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-did-god-change-sauls-name-to-paul#:~:text=But%20after%20his%20conversion%20Saul,typical%20of%20Paul's%20missionary%20style.
- Saul's Name Didn't Change at Damascus, His Eschatology Did – Logos Bible Software, accessed June 11, 2025, https://www.logos.com/grow/sauls-name-didnt-change-at-damascus-his-eschatology-did/
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- Why did 1st century Jews take Roman second names with pagan connotations? – Reddit, accessed June 11, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1bept0k/why_did_1st_century_jews_take_roman_second_names/
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- What happened on the road to Damascus? What is a road to …, accessed June 11, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/Damascus-Road.html
- Origin for Saul/Paul Name Change : r/AcademicBiblical – Reddit, accessed June 11, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AcademicBiblical/comments/1fk00vz/origin_for_saulpaul_name_change/
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