Devotional: Name Changes Acts 13:1-9

“But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him” (Acts 13:9, NASB).

Many of us that are older in the church were told that Jesus changed Saul’s name to Paul when he was converted on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). However, the scriptures do not support this teaching. The scriptures continue to call him by the name Saul until Barnabas and Saul are on their missionary journey that the Holy Spirit calls them to (13:2). Barnabas and Saul begin their journey going outside of Palestine into Gentile regions. The people in those regions begin to refer to Saul by his Roman name Paul. Thus, the apostle is known best by the name Paul because his ministries are more prominent in Gentile regions than in Palestine.

In my own life I am referred to by both my first name and middle name, and even by my last name. The different names are not based on who I am or how I see myself. The name changes to do not change who I am. Rather, the name changes are based on the context in which different people know me. Therefore, it can be said that a name does not make a person. Instead, the person makes the name.

When we study the life of Paul we discover that his personal characteristics do not change much. He is a well educated man. He is a man that dedicates himself to the causes that he believes in. He is committed to the causes that he supports. What makes the difference? The difference is that Paul is converted by Jesus to work for Christ instead of against Christ. Thus, it is appropriate to say that Jesus changed his name because Jesus changed his life focus and ministry.

Do not be overly concerned about the name that people call you by. Different people know us in different contexts and different seasons in our lives. The thing that is important is that our name is tied into our relationship with Christ as well as the life and ministry that He calls us to.

Prayer: Lord God we thank you for the name Jesus, the name of You only begotten Son. Jesus means that He saves us from our sins and His death on the cross makes the name authentic and true. Amen.