No, Jesus did not change Saul's name to Paul. This is a common misconception often associated with his transformative encounter on the Road to Damascus.
Understanding the Names of the Apostle
It is a widespread belief that Saul of Tarsus received the name "Paul" directly from Jesus Christ following his dramatic conversion from Judaism to Christianity. However, the biblical narrative does not support this.
- Saul and Paul as Existing Names: Saul had both his Hebrew name, Saul (שאול), and his Roman name, Paul (Paulus), from birth. It was common for Jews in the Roman Empire to possess both a Hebrew name and a Roman or Greek name.
- The Damascus Road Encounter: The pivotal event of Saul's conversion is detailed in the Book of Acts (Acts 9:1-19). While this encounter profoundly changed Saul's life and set him on a new path of ministry, there is no mention of Jesus or any divine voice changing his name during this event.
- Gradual Shift in Usage: The Bible begins to predominantly refer to him as Paul later in the Book of Acts, specifically around the time he embarks on his first missionary journey and begins ministering extensively to Gentiles (Acts 13:9). This shift in terminology likely reflects his primary audience and the name by which he was more commonly known in the Roman world. Using his Roman name, Paul, would have been more accessible and familiar to the Gentile population he was commissioned to reach.
Common Misconceptions vs. Biblical Facts
To clarify, here's a breakdown of common beliefs about Saul and Paul's names versus what the biblical texts indicate:
| Aspect | Common Misconception | Biblical Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Name Change Event | Jesus changed Saul's name to Paul | Jesus did not directly change his name during conversion |
| Timing of Change | During his conversion on the Damascus Road | Saul possessed both names from birth; "Paul" usage increased later |
| Reason for Change | A new identity given by God/Jesus | "Paul" was his Roman name, more suitable for Gentile ministry |
| Source of New Name | Divine decree during his conversion | Already one of his given names, increasingly used for practical reasons |
This distinction is crucial for understanding the Apostle's identity and ministry within its historical and cultural context. The change was more a matter of the biblical narrative shifting to the name most relevant to his public ministry, rather than a direct renaming by Christ.
