### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4569 (Saûlos) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name `{{H7586}}` (Sha'ul), meaning "asked" or "desired." In the New Testament, it refers exclusively to the Jewish birth name of the Apostle Paul. Its semantic range is therefore highly specific, denoting the individual who would become the Apostle to the Gentiles, particularly in the period before and immediately following his conversion. The name carries the weight of his heritage as a Benjamite, named after Israel's first king, Saul, and implicitly, his initial zealous adherence to Judaism.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name G4569 (Saûlos) appears prominently in the book of Acts, primarily in the early chapters. Its use is critical for understanding the narrative arc of Paul's life and ministry.
* The first mention of "Saul" is in [[Acts 7:58]], where he is identified as a young man consenting to the stoning of Stephen, immediately establishing his role as a persecutor of the nascent Christian community.
* [[Acts 8:1]] and [[Acts 8:3]] further depict "Saul" as actively "making havoc of the church," entering homes, and dragging off believers to prison. This highlights his intense zeal and opposition to the Way.
* The pivotal narrative of his conversion on the road to Damascus is replete with references to "Saul" ([[Acts 9:1]], [[Acts 9:4]], [[Acts 9:8]], [[Acts 9:11]], [[Acts 9:17]], [[Acts 9:19]], [[Acts 9:22]], [[Acts 9:24]], [[Acts 9:26]]). The Lord addresses him directly as "Saul, Saul" ([[Acts 9:4]]), emphasizing the personal and direct nature of Christ's intervention.
* The final occurrences of "Saul" are found in [[Acts 11:25]], [[Acts 11:30]], [[Acts 12:25]], and significantly, [[Acts 13:1]], [[Acts 13:2]], [[Acts 13:4]], [[Acts 13:7]], and [[Acts 13:9]]. It is in [[Acts 13:9]] that Luke makes the crucial transition: "Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him." From this point onward, the narrative almost exclusively refers to him as "Paul" (`{{G3972}}`), marking a symbolic shift from his Jewish identity and past persecution to his new identity as an apostle to the Gentiles.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H7586}}` (Sha'ul): The Hebrew original of the name, linking Paul to his Israelite heritage as a Benjamite and to the first king of Israel. This connection underscores his initial zeal for the Law and Jewish traditions.
* `{{G3972}}` (Paûlos): The Roman cognomen adopted by Saul, meaning "small" or "humble." The narrative shift from "Saul" to "Paul" in [[Acts 13:9]] is profoundly symbolic. It signifies not merely a change of name but a reorientation of identity and mission, from a persecutor rooted in Jewish legalism to a humble apostle to the nations.
* Persecution: The name "Saul" is inextricably linked with his pre-conversion activity as a fierce persecutor of the early church ([[Acts 8:3]], [[Galatians 1:13]]).
* Zeal: Saul's actions were driven by an intense zeal for God, albeit a misguided one, rooted in the traditions of his fathers and the Mosaic Law ([[Philippians 3:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The name G4569 (Saûlos) carries immense theological weight, serving as a powerful symbol of divine transformation and grace. It represents the Apostle Paul's former identity – the zealous, persecuting Pharisee – before his encounter with the risen Christ. The dramatic shift from "Saul" to "Paul" in the biblical narrative, though not explicitly commanded by God, vividly illustrates the concept of new creation in Christ ([[2 Corinthians 5:17]]). The old self, characterized by legalistic zeal and opposition to the gospel, is superseded by a new identity, marked by humility, surrender to Christ, and a passionate commitment to spreading the good news. This transition underscores the radical nature of conversion, demonstrating God's power to transform even the most ardent opponents into devoted servants. The continued use of "Saul" in the early accounts of Acts highlights the stark contrast between his former life and his new life in Christ, magnifying the impact of God's redemptive work.
### Summary
The Greek term G4569 (Saûlos) is the transliteration of the Hebrew name Sha'ul, meaning "asked" or "desired," and it denotes the Apostle Paul's Jewish birth name. Predominantly found in the early chapters of Acts, its usage consistently portrays his pre-conversion identity as a zealous persecutor of the nascent Christian community, as seen in [[Acts 8:3]]. The narrative's deliberate shift from "Saul" to "Paul" (`{{G3972}}`) in [[Acts 13:9]] is profoundly symbolic, marking his radical transformation, his new identity in Christ, and his commissioning as the Apostle to the Gentiles. This transition powerfully illustrates the theological truth of new creation and the transformative power of God's grace, turning a fierce opponent into the church's most dedicated advocate. The name "Saul" thus serves as a poignant reminder of Paul's former life and the dramatic, divine intervention that redirected his immense zeal towards the glory of God in Christ.
TRV