Bible fact · Direct biblical statement
Saul was not renamed Paul on the Damascus road
Acts keeps calling him Saul for years after his conversion; Acts 13:9 then says "Saul, who is also called Paul". Acts 13:9
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
Discover why
After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, he is still called Saul in Acts 9, 11 and 12. On Cyprus, Luke writes: "But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit..." and from then on uses Paul. Acts 9:1–6Acts 11:25–26Acts 13:9
Paul was a Roman citizen; using his Roman name among Gentiles may explain the switch, but Acts does not say why. Acts 22:27–28
What the Bible does not say
The text does not say God changed his name.
Read the passage
Acts 13:9 WEB
9But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him