What's in a name?
God changed Abram's name to Abraham. Abraham means father of many.
Gideon's name was changed from Jerubbaal. Jerubbaal means "Baal judges". Not a great name for one of God's judges. "Gideon" was given the task of delivering the Israelites from the Midianites and the Amalekites who were constantly raiding the country. In Judges 6 we learn that Gideon cut down the Asherah pole that stood next to Ba-al. He cut down the idol to reclaim his people for God. The name "Gideon" means "to fell, to cut down". After that, we no longer hear of Jerubbaal. But exploits of Gideon are found in 103 verses in only 3 chapters - there is more about Gideon than any other judge. Judges 6-8.
There are many "name changes" in the Bible. And they always seem to have meaning or reflect a change in heart or purpose for the name bearer. Paul was no different.
Ephesians 3:8
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah.
Paul considered himself the least of all the saints, the least of all the apostles. He knew where he had come from and was so thankful for the incomparable riches of being called to be a servant of God unto the Gentiles.
But Paul wasn't always called Paul. When we first meet him in chapter 7 of Acts of the Apostles, we hear of a young man named Saul.
Acts 7:55-58
55 But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God’s glory, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, 56 “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57 Then they screamed at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. 58 They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
At the martyrdom of Stephen, whose name means "crown" = ), the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young named.... Saul.
The change from Saul to Paul didn't happen when we might expect to happen - at his conversion. We don't see the switch until chapter 13 of Acts.
Acts 13:9-10
This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear God’s message. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (this is the meaning of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer 10 and said, “You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?
There it is! Saul - also called Paul!
We no longer hear about Saul of Tarsus. But we hear plenty about and from Paul.
Why the name change? Did God change Paul's name like He did with Abram to Abraham, or Jacob to Israel? We don't really know for sure based on Scripture. Some think that Paul was just Saul's "Roman" name. It was not uncommon for people to have two names, especially if they had dual citizenship like Paul did. Or maybe Paul changed his own name, to make a new start. Maybe he didn't want anything to do with that man "Saul" who had persecuted followers of Christ. Whatever the reason, whether it was God or Paul himself making the change, the name mattered.
The name Paul means "little, least, humble" and I even read one definition of "Paulos", the true Greek version of Paul, that said it meant "little man".
Sounds to me like Paul was constantly reminded that he was the "least" of the apostles, the "least" of the followers of Christ, but probably just in his own eyes. I certainly don't look at him as the least of any group. He was powerful, humble, passionate ambassador for his Savior. And there's nothing "small" or "least" about that wonderful man of God.
The story of Paul should give us all hope. Saul of Tarsus was heartless and relentless in his pursuit of believers who followed Jesus. He literally hunted them down and either stoned them or took them to jail. But God had a plan for Saul of Tarsus. He took this horrible excuse of a man and changed him forever. If Christ can make that kind of change in Paul, I think he can change any of us who are willing to trust in Him and walk in His way.
Names are important. I looked up my name and found in French, my name, Carol, means "strong". However, the English name, Carol, means "song of joy". I like both of those meanings. They make me hold my head up a little higher. Attributes I hope to have when I grow up. = ) But the German version wasn't quite so grand. In Germany my name means "farmer". I guess I better go plant some seeds for the Lord.
I still answer to "Carol", but I do have a new name now. My new name is "Christian" which simply means follower of Christ. That's how I want to be remembered.
http://youtu.be/CC8puwexBBo- He knows my name - Paul Baloche
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