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Saul(2)

Saul in the Bible — the apostle Paul, at whose feet witnesses to Stephen's death laid their robes (ACT 7:58). Referenced in 3 scripture passages.

Name meaning: “demanded; lent; ditch; death”

Profile

Gender
male
Scripture References
3 references
Known Names
2 names
Relationships
1 connection

Biography

Saul, also known as the apostle Paul, was a male figure from Tarsus noted in the New Testament as the young man at whose feet witnesses to Stephen's death laid their robes. His identity as Saul is significant in the early church narrative, particularly in relation to Stephen's martyrdom and his later ministry as Paul.

Names & Titles

The name Saul means 'asked [dedicated?] to G-d,' reflecting a Hebrew origin, while Paul is another proper name he is known by, though its meaning is not specified in Scripture. Both names are proper names given by human sources rather than directly by God.

Family

Scripture explicitly records that Saul is a descendant of Benjamin, establishing his tribal lineage. Beyond this, there are no additional family relationships noted in the provided information.

Significance

Saul's significance lies in his transformation from a persecutor of the early church to a central apostolic figure known as Paul. His background from Tarsus and his role at Stephen's martyrdom highlight his early opposition to the church, which contrasts with his later ministry. This dual identity underscores the power of God's grace in redemption and the fulfillment of His purposes through Saul/Paul.

Key Events

Anointed as Israel's first king(1 Samuel 10:1)
Publicly chosen as king(1 Samuel 10:24)
Disobeyed by offering unauthorized sacrifice(1 Samuel 13:8-14)
Rejected as king for sparing Agag(1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Attempted to kill David(1 Samuel 18:10-11)
Suicide after defeat by Philistines(1 Samuel 31:4)

Names & Labels (2)

Saulproper name
Hebrew
שָׁאוּל
Transliteration
shaul
Meaning
asked [dedicated?] to G-d
Greek
Σαῦλος
Reference
ACT 7:58
Strong's
H7586
Paulproper name
Hebrew
פּוֹלוֹס
Transliteration
polos
Greek
Παῦλος
Reference
ACT 13:9
Strong's
none

Family & Relationships (1)

descendant

Benjamin(ROM 11:1)

Notes

from Tarsus (ACT 9:11)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Saul in the Bible?

Saul, also known as the apostle Paul, was a male figure from Tarsus noted in the New Testament as the young man at whose feet witnesses to Stephen's death laid their robes. His identity as Saul is significant in the early church narrative, particularly in relation to Stephen's martyrdom and his later ministry as Paul.

What does the name Saul mean?

The name Saul means “demanded; lent; ditch; death” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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