Was Saul's Name Changed To Paul?

Published on 21 February 2026 at 22:01

A dear brother in Christ, and minister of reconciliation wanted me to proof a piece he was writing. In it he mentioned how that Saul's name was changed to Paul. The following was my response:

The only thing I would change is the wording where you say "now Paul." This suggests that Saul's name was changed to Paul, but I haven't found that to be the case. I know that most all grace teachers say that, and I too am guilty of this very thing. (I even have a couple of old programs to prove it.)

However, some time ago upon further examination I found no evidence of a name change.

This is not the biggest of deals and definitely not something to be going around correcting anyone for, but I just thought you would appreciate knowing this little tid-bit.

Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

Here, brother Luke confirms that Saul, was also "called Paul."

So unless I missed it, (which is highly possible) his name was never changed.

Saul was his name in the "Hebrew tongue", (Acts 26:14) and Paul, would have been his Greco Roman name.

Grace And Peace.

Then the brother responded back with: "Wow, good to know! "Changed to" and "also called" aren't the same."

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