Paul
Paul "small or little one" was not renamed from Saul שאול "desired" by Jesus on the road to Damascus. He has a dual name.[1] Saul is the Hebrew name of the first king of Israel. He was chosen because his looks were desirable to the people. This Saul was not desirable, having a reputation for persecuting Christians. [2]
'Saul' also means 'lift or obtained you שא to be separated ו for teaching ל'. Saul was well trained in the Jewish scriptures. He is an example of the scribe in the parable who knows the old and is taught the new. [3]
When he calls himself Paul, he is hinting at his claim to be the least of the apostles [4]; it is a humility, having persecuted the church.
- ↑ ▸ ± Ac 13:9 Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
- ↑ ▸ ± Ac 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
- ↑ ▸ ± Mt 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.
- ↑ ▸ ± 1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
