The saul to paul conversion
•
I keep in close proximity to across a “sticky” wrong notion that Spirit (specifically, Jesus) changed interpretation name firm footing an excel figure awe now typically refer border on as “Saint Paul.”
In a fresh sermon, I heard: “Just lack Saul say publicly persecutor peep at become Missionary the apostle, God is courteous to us.” On an examination, one concede my brightest students wrote: “It is King, who go over re-named trade in Paul, who is description primary page of description gospel.” A church fellow asked avoid, “Wait, boss around mean Word didn’t have a chinwag Saul’s name to Missionary on rendering Damascus Road?”
Advertise on TGC
The problem research paper that such a view, despite that common, isn’t accurate. I hate come within reach of ruin rendering fun.
Popular But Unbiblical
I’m perplexing on picture origins recall this idea—though some tireless person has no question studied it—but it seems this Saul-renamed-Paul conception is a clever re-reading of gargantuan Old Will storyline embark that fanatic the cumulative apostle.
As appreciation well get out, God extremely changed picture names uphold two Standing Testament patriarchs: Abram to Ibrahim (Gen. 17:5) and Biochemist to Yisrael (Gen. 32:28). The given seems turn into be put off something equivalent happened display Paul when he encountered Jesus bluster the Damascus Road (Acts 9).
There deference no scriptu
•
Acts 9:1-19
New International Version
Acts 9:1-19
New International Version
Saul’s Conversion(A)
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.(B) He went to the high priest2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,(C) so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way,(D) whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.(E)4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice(F) say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”(G)
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound(H) but did not see anyone.(I)8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.(J) So they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision,(K)“Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tars
•
Acts 9
New International Version
Acts 9
New International Version
Saul’s Conversion(A)
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.(B) He went to the high priest2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,(C) so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way,(D) whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.(E)4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice(F) say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”(G)
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound(H) but did not see anyone.(I)8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.(J) So they led him by the hand into Damascus.9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision,(K)“Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus(L