Saul or Paul

By: Lisa Boisvert

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you ever heard the old saying: "What's in a name?" Apparently, there is a lot in a name. Saul of Tarsus and the Apostle Paul were the same man. Yet the differences between the behavior and world view of Saul/Paul almost makes him seem like two different people.

Saul of Tarsus was a deeply religious man that was rigid in his beliefs. He followed the Jewish laws to the best of his ability, and he insisted that others do the same. He considered himself righteous because of his devotion to the requirements of the law.

Saul was what we call a "sin-sniffer." He was all truth, and no grace. He was completely devoted to his religious rules and regulations, so he gladly took on the task of hunting down and imprisoning Christians. Saul sincerely believed that his persecution of Christ followers would please God.

When Saul met Jesus in a vision, the Lord changed his name to Paul. God also changed him from a religious man into a relational man. Paul's strongest relationship was with Jesus, but he also developed deep relationships with other believers. Rigidity characterized Saul, grace characterized Paul. After his transformation, Paul realized righteousness isn't based on what we do, it's based on what Jesus did! When he met Jesus, Paul understood he was a sinner saved by grace, and it was through Christ alone.

Technically they were the same person, but Saul and Paul couldn't have been more different. Saul passionately persecuted Christians, Paul passionately tried to help people become a Christian! The only thing that can radically change someone to this degree is the power of God. Later, Paul became a great spokesman for Christ because he had been on both sides of the Jewish-Christian argument. God used Saul's life to transform Paul into a powerful evangelist, one that could explain how the OT Messianic prophecies were given to point us towards Jesus.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10 (NLT)

The power of Christ is still radically changing lives. If someone says: "You seem like a completely different person from the one I remember", take it as a compliment! How radical our transformation is usually depends upon how willing we are to let go of our old way of life. So, we must "let go and let God."

Christ follower, don't be like Saul, having a faith that is based on rituals. Be more like Paul, someone God has radically transformed into a new creation!