Paul
Apostle to the GentilesFormer persecutor of Christians who became Christianity's greatest missionary
Paul wrote nearly half of the New Testament and established churches throughout the Roman Empire. His theological insights shaped Christian doctrine for centuries.
Original Name
שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul) / Παῦλος (Paulos)
Meaning
Saul: 'asked for' or 'prayed for'; Paul: 'small' or 'humble'
Etymology
Hebrew 'Sha'ul' from 'sha'al' (to ask); Latin 'Paulus' means small or humble
Linguistic Insights
Paul's dual naming reveals his bicultural identity and theological transformation. Born 'Saul' (Sha'ul in Hebrew), meaning 'asked for' - the same name as Israel's first king - he was a Pharisee of Pharisees, a Hebrew of Hebrews. After his Damascus Road encounter, he became known as 'Paul' (Latin Paulus), meaning 'small' or 'humble.' This wasn't just a name change but a linguistic declaration of identity shift. As apostle to the Gentiles, using the Roman name 'Paul' helped him bridge cultures. His letters show sophisticated use of Greek rhetoric while maintaining Hebrew thought patterns. Paul frequently employed wordplay and linguistic devices unavailable in translation: in Greek, 'charis' (grace) and 'chara' (joy) share roots, illuminating passages like Philippians. Understanding Paul's bilingual, bicultural linguistic context helps us grasp the depth of passages where Hebrew concepts are expressed through Greek language.
Translation Notes
- •Name transition: 'Saul' used until Acts 13:9, then predominantly 'Paul'
- •Cultural significance: Roman name for Roman mission field
- •Rhetorical skill: Paul used Greek literary devices like chiasm, diatribe, and metaphor masterfully
Related Terms
Acts 9:4
"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Born
c. 5 AD
Died
c. 67 AD