Introduction: The Names of Saul and Paul

The Bible, rich with narratives of faith, failure, and redemption, presents us with several individuals whose names, though similar in sound, represent vastly different destinies and lessons. Among these are the figures known as Saul and Paul. While the name "Paul" is primarily associated with the great Apostle to the Gentiles, it's crucial to understand that his original name was Saul, and that there was another prominent Saul in Israel's history: its first king. This article will explore these distinct individuals, highlighting the profound spiritual truths revealed through their lives, their choices, and God's dealings with them, all according to the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Saul, the First King of Israel

Our journey begins with Saul, the son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who became Israel's first king. His story is a poignant testament to the dangers of disobedience and the tragic consequences of a heart that drifts from God's commands. When first introduced, Saul appeared to be a man of humble beginnings and notable stature.

Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

1 Samuel 9:1-2

God, through the prophet Samuel, anointed Saul as king, a role he initially accepted with humility (1 Samuel 10:22). However, this initial humility gave way to a pattern of self-reliance and outright disobedience. His first major transgression occurred when he impatiently offered a burnt offering himself, rather than waiting for Samuel, as commanded by God.

And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

1 Samuel 13:8-14

Saul's most egregious act of disobedience came with the Amalekites, whom God commanded him to utterly destroy. Yet, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, solidifying God's rejection of him as king (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul's reign was marked by jealousy, paranoia, and a progressive departure from God's Spirit. His life ended tragically on Mount Gilboa, where he fell on his own sword after being wounded by the Philistines.

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.

1 Samuel 31:3-6

Saul's life serves as a stark warning: initial promise means nothing without continued obedience and submission to God's will.

Saul of Tarsus, Persecutor of the Church

Centuries later, another prominent figure named Saul emerged, though his story would take a dramatically different turn. This Saul was not a king, but a highly educated and zealous Pharisee from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia (Acts 21:39). His zeal, however, was tragically misdirected. He was a fervent persecutor of the nascent Christian church, believing he was doing God's service by stamping out what he perceived as a heretical sect.

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women, committed them to prison.

Acts 8:3

Saul's intensity is further evidenced by his presence and approval at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Acts 7:58

He pursued believers with unrelenting fury, even obtaining letters from the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). His background as a 'Hebrew of the Hebrews,' a Pharisee, and his blamelessness concerning the righteousness which is in the law (Philippians 3:5-6) underscore the depth of his conviction in his misguided mission.

The Damascus Road Conversion

The pivotal moment in the life of Saul of Tarsus, and indeed in the history of Christianity, occurred on the road to Damascus. This was not a gradual change, but a sudden, divine intervention that transformed a persecutor into a proclaimer of Christ.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:3-6

Struck blind by the brilliant light, Saul was led into Damascus, where he spent three days without sight or food, reflecting on the encounter. God then sent Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to him. Though initially fearful, Ananias obeyed God's command to lay hands on Saul, restoring his sight and filling him with the Holy Ghost.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Acts 9:17-20

This miraculous conversion underscores the sovereign power of God to transform even the most ardent opponents into His most fervent servants. Saul's life immediately shifted from destruction to declaration, from persecuting the church to proclaiming Christ.

Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

Following his conversion, Saul began to preach Christ with boldness, astonishing those who knew his former life. It is in Acts 13:9, during his first missionary journey with Barnabas, that his name transition is explicitly noted: "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,)..." While the exact reason for the name change isn't detailed, it's generally understood that 'Paul' was his Roman cognomen, a common practice for Jews in the Roman Empire to have both a Hebrew and a Roman name. The adoption of 'Paul' (Latin: Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble') could also signify a symbolic shift – an embrace of humility in his new role as an apostle, particularly to the Gentiles. Paul became the quintessential missionary, embarking on extensive journeys throughout the Roman Empire, enduring immense suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

His epistles form a significant portion of the New Testament, providing foundational theological doctrine on justification by faith, grace, the nature of the church, and Christian living. Paul's life exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the call of God, culminating in his declaration, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (