Why was Paul called Saul first?

The transition of the Apostle Paul's name from Saul to Paul is a significant detail in the book of Acts, reflecting both cultural norms of the time and the evolving nature of his ministry. Saul (שָׁאוּל, Sha'ul) was his Hebrew name, given to him at birth by his Jewish parents, likely in honor of Israel's first king, who also hailed from the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5). It was common for Jews in the Diaspora, particularly those living in Hellenistic and Roman contexts like Tarsus of Cilicia, to possess both a Hebrew name and a Greek or Roman name. This dual naming convention facilitated interaction within the diverse cultural landscape of the Roman Empire. Paul's Roman name, Paulos (Παῦλος), from the Latin 'Paulus', meaning 'small' or 'humble', would have been used in his dealings with Gentiles, and perhaps even within his broader social circles prior to his conversion. The explicit shift in the narrative occurs in Acts 13:9, during his first missionary journey on the island of Cyprus. After confronting the sorcerer Elymas (Bar-Jesus) and proclaiming the gospel to the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus, Luke records: "But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him." From this point onward, Luke consistently refers to him as Paul. While this is often interpreted as a deliberate adoption of his Roman name to signify his primary mission to the Gentiles, it is crucial to understand that it was not a conversion-related name change in the same vein as Abram to Abraham or Jacob to Israel, which were direct divine interventions. Rather, it reflects Luke's narrative choice to use the name by which he was known in the Gentile world, aligning with the outward focus of his apostolate. This change underscored his commitment to proclaiming "the good news of God" to all nations, as prophesied (Acts 13:2). Thus, Paul was called Saul first because Saul was his birth name, his Hebrew identity, rooted in his heritage as a "Hebrew of Hebrews." The shift to Paul was not a rejection of his Jewish identity but an embrace of his calling as the "apostle to the Gentiles," utilizing the name that would resonate most effectively with the audience to whom he was now primarily sent. It signified a functional and missional emphasis rather than a personal transformation of identity, though it certainly marked a new chapter in his divine assignment.

The Roman Empire, particularly during the 1st century AD, was a melting pot of cultures. Within this context, Jews of the Diaspora, those living outside Judea, frequently adopted Hellenistic (Greek) or Roman names in addition to their traditional Hebrew names. This practice was especially prevalent in cities like Tarsus in Cilicia, Paul's birthplace, which was a significant center of Roman and Greek culture and education. Archaeological evidence from synagogues and cemeteries throughout the Roman world often reveals epitaphs with both Semitic and Greco-Roman names for the same individual. This dual identity allowed for easier integration and communication within the broader society while maintaining a connection to their Jewish heritage. The Roman administrative system also favored Latin or Greek names, which could have been recorded for official purposes, taxation, or citizenship. This cultural reality provides a crucial backdrop for understanding why Saul, a Roman citizen and a learned Jew, would possess and eventually be known by the Roman name Paul.

The transition from Saul to Paul carries profound theological significance, symbolizing not a change in identity, but a refined focus of divine calling. While Saul represented his Jewish heritage and zealous persecution of the early church, Paul, meaning 'small' or 'humble,' highlights his transformation into an apostle primarily dedicated to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). This shift underscores God's universal plan of salvation, moving beyond an exclusive focus on Israel to include all nations. The functional adoption of a Roman name for his Gentile mission reflects the adaptability and missional strategy of the early church, emphasizing that the message of Christ transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. It also serves as a poignant reminder of divine humility, as the 'least of the apostles' (1 Corinthians 15:9) became the most prolific evangelist to the broader world.