Why Does Sauls Name Suddenly Change to Paul in Verse 9?
The name by which Saul was known throughout the rest of his life Paul appears for the first time in verse 9. Until the moment of this incident, Saul took second place to Barnabas. But after Saul showed unusual faith and courage in opposing the sorcerer, he became the team leader. This is the moment that Luke chooses to name him Paul, which means “little.” To signify that he was nothing in himself, but solely a creature of grace, Paul preferred to known as “the little one.” The change in leadership is indicated not only by Saul’s new name, but also by a new ordering when his name appears with others. Twice before verse 9, in verses 2 and 7, Barnabas is put first, but always after verse 9, first place goes to Paul. In verse 13, for example, the traveling group is described as “Paul and his company.” How did the change in leadership come about? Barnabas, the proper leader beforehand, must have initiated the change. In keeping with his best judgment and in submission to the Spirit’s direct
