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 (of the book of Ephesians) was not desirable, having a reputation for persecuting Christians. [2]
'Saul' also means 'obtained you שא to be separated ו for teaching ל', and was dramatically chosen to preach. [3] 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. [4] [5]
When he calls himself Paul, he is hinting at his claim to be the least of the apostles [6]; 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 26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities.
- ↑ ▸ ± 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.
