Why did Saul of Tarsus become Paul?

In a recent sermon, I heard: “Just like Saul the persecutor can become Paul the apostle, God is gracious to us. read more

" Answer: One of the often thought of “name changes” in the Bible is that of Saul to Paul. The change is commonly linked to Saul’s conversion on the Damascus Road, when the Lord Jesus commissioned him to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9: 1–19). read more

He didn't become Paul. Because Saul grew up in Tarsus, an ethnically mixed city, he had both a Hebrew name (Sha’ul) and a Greek name (Paulos). He began using his Greek name—Paulos, “Paul”—on his apostolic journeys to Greek cities. read more

The same phrase could have been used to describe Saul of Tarsus; a child of the best upbringing; a student of the vaunted teacher, Gamaliel; a Roman citizen; trained in the best Jewish schools; groomed, perhaps, to even become chief priest. read more