Conversion of Saul to Paul in the New Testament
The Conversion of Saul to Paul in the New Testament
The conversion of Saul, later known as Paul, is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking a significant turning point in the early Christian church. The apostle's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a key figure in spreading Christianity to the Gentiles is documented in the Acts of the Apostles and referenced in several of Paul's epistles [2, 5].
Saul, born in Tarsus, Cilicia, was a Jew with Roman citizenship. His Jewish name, Saul, was used among Jews, while his Roman name, Paul, was used among Gentiles. This dual naming was not uncommon among Jews living in the Roman world [1, 3]. The name change from Saul to Paul is first noted in Acts 13:9, where Luke records that Saul, "who is also called Paul," was filled with the Holy Spirit and began his mission to the Gentiles [2].
The conversion experience itself is described in Acts 9:1-19, where Saul, then a persecutor of Christians, encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. This event is recounted three times in Acts (9:1-19; 22:1-21; 26:1-29) and is also referenced in Paul's letters (1 Cor 15:8-10; Gal 1:11-17; Phil 3:4-11) [5]. The conversion was not only a personal transformation but also a prophetic call and commission as an apostle to the Gentiles [5].
The significance of Paul's conversion lies in its demonstration of God's power to reach and redeem individuals, regardless of their background or actions. Paul's experience serves as a model for Christian conversion and missionary work, highlighting the importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for service [5].
The early church fathers, such as John Chrysostom, reflect on Paul's conversion and its implications for Christian ministry. Chrysostom notes that Paul's willingness to proclaim the Gospel, despite facing opposition and hardship, is a testament to his commitment to his calling [6].
The use of both names, Saul and Paul, throughout the New Testament reflects the apostle's ministry to both Jews and Gentiles. While Saul was his Jewish name, Paul was his Roman name, used in his interactions with Gentiles. This dual identity is significant, as it highlights the apostle's role as a bridge between the Jewish and Gentile communities [1, 3, 4].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Paul — (small, little). Nearly all the original materials for the life St. Paul are contained in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Pauline epistles. Paul was born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia. (It is not improbable that he was born between A.D. and A.D. 5.) Up to the time of his going forth as an avowed preacher of Christ to the Gentiles, the apostle was known by the name of Saul. This was the Jewish name which he received from his Jewish parents. But though a Hebrew of the Hebrews, he was born in a Gentile city. Of his parents we know nothing, except that his fathe”
- Acts “But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him, -- Acts 13:9”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Paul — =Saul (q.v.) was born about the same time as our Lord. His circumcision-name was Saul, and probably the name Paul was also given to him in infancy "for use in the Gentile world," as "Saul" would be his Hebrew home-name. He was a native of Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia, a Roman province in the south-east of Asia Minor. That city stood on the banks of the river Cydnus, which was navigable thus far; hence it became a centre of extensive commercial traffic with many countries along the shores of the Mediterranean, as well as with the countries of central Asia Min”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 13:9: 13:9 Luke makes the significant transition from the name Saul (a Hebrew name) to Paul (a Greco-Roman name), perhaps indicating that Paul was now on a predominantly Gentile mission. For the rest of the book of Acts, he is called Paul except when he recounts his conversion (as in 22:7, 13; 26:14).”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 9:1: 9:1-19 The conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road is of central importance to the narrative of Acts—Luke recounts the story three times (also 22:1-21; 26:1-29). Paul (Saul) also alludes to this experience several times in his letters (1 Cor 15:8-10; Gal 1:11-17; Phil 3:4-11; see 1 Tim 1:12-17). Saul’s conversion was his prophetic call and commission as an apostle (Acts 9:15; 22:15, 21; 26:15-18). No one is beyond the power of God to reach, redeem, and use for holy purposes—nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Paul was prepared through his training, ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.” ( v. 6–8 .) Again a Jew sorcerer, as was Simon. And observe this man, how, while they preached to the others, he did not take it much amiss, but only when they approached the proconsul. And then in respect of the proconsul the wonder is”