Why did Saul become Paul? Interview
I was recently interview by Dr Tony Watkins at Tyndale House, Cambridge about why Saul became Paul in the book of Acts, as part of their series of videos on biblical names. Here’s the link to the interview: it’s a touch under 30 minutes—enjoy! I’ve also published an online article on the Logos academic blog about this: you can find it here.
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Hi Steve. I have vacillated on how Paul got that name. Yes, he had three Latin names from birth, but he may never have used them, because he was brought up as a zealous Jew in Jerusalem. If he was not attached to his original Latin cognomen, he might have choosen another. The name “Paul” would have commended itself because 1) it honoured Sergius Paulus, 2) It sounded similar to Saul (compare Silas-Silvanus, Joseph-Justus, Jesus-Justus, Titus-Timothy). I don’t think there is much evidence of people having two similar sounding names from birth. 3) Paul means small and it was his style to undermine his opponents by boasting of his weaknesses (see 1 Cor and 2 Cor). By calling himself “small” he contrasted himself with Elymas, who had presumptuously called himself “Bar Jesus” (son of Jesus). Paul said that Elymas was not son of Jesus, but son of the devil.
Concerning Tabitha, there is almost zero evidence that Jews ever had two birth names with the same meaning. There is only one possible example, and that may be coincidence. Christian symbolic names, however, were translated, including by Luke. So I think that Luke is saying that Tabitha was honoured with that name because of her charity. Gazelles were know for their good eyes, and good eyes symbolized generosity. Christians who took non-Semitic names to move in gentile circles tended to choose Latin names, not Greek names. So Luke may be translating Tabitha’s name for the benefit of his audience.
The name Cephas does not appear in Acts 15 (it is Simeon), but the point that you made is still valid.
When you come to Acts 18, don’t forget to consider the case that Sosthenes was Crispus renamed (see my Tyndale Bulletin articles from 2016 and 2005). Also Gaius Titius Justus Stephanas and Lydia Euodia.
Thanks Richard; this is helpful.