A New Name Saul/Paul

It’s interesting how as we are Born Again, we also receive a new name when we enter into Covenant with God. Whether we know this new name in this world or not.

There are many instances in the Bible where God gives a New Name to some as the people are still alive. (I’m sure you can think of a few.) Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, etc.

In the Book of Revelation, God speaks of our new name.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna,
and will give him a white stone,
and in the stone a new name written,
which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Revelation 2:17 KJV

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out:
and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God:
and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation 3:12 KJV

Saul To Paul is who this article will highlight.

Not only is Paul’s Testimony so very detailed, but also revealing.

Saul

Saul was a man who wanted to serve God, do right, even unto death of those he thought were the enemies of God. Saul was passionate in his obedience, advised by the Pharisees. Even one of the Pharisees.

God knew Saul’s heart. God had a plan for Paul, for His glory and purpose. And thousands of years later, we still learn much from Paul, A new creation in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said:

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do;
but do not ye after their works: for they say,
and do not.
Matthew 23:2-3

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin,

and HAVE OMITTED the WEIGHTIER MATTERS of the law,
>>judgment, mercy, and faith:<<

these OUGHT ye to have done,
AND NOT to LEAVE the OTHER UNDONE.
Matthew 23:23 KJV

During Saul’s life,
the foreshadowing of the Old Covenant was fulfilled by Jesus.

Saul Loved God. He had acted in ignorance, even though he personally knew the Scriptures. He lived at the cusp of the New Covenant.

Today, we all have the Scriptures available to us.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at;
but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:30 KJV

Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

We must all be cautious to not leave anything undone. To Love the Truth, even if it’s not what we had believed before. (Not making the same mistakes as the Pharisees did).

Not to be NT Pharisees who do the same; Perverting God’s Word.
May we always be in God’s Word applying it in our lives, in Spirit and in Truth.
A New Creation with a New Name

TODAY, we also still meet Sauls. Those who have a heart for God. They are blinded, persecute, and unknowingly deceive. But, God is calling them! “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do.”

Pray, do not curse them. Pray they receive their new name, in Christ Jesus, for testimony of His love, grace, mercy, and hope – in Spirit and in Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Conversion of Saul, of Tarsus to Paul. His Testimony

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: 7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Acts 26:4-29

Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? … I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

In Jesus Christ- a new creation; a new heart and even a new name;

the truth, the way, the life.

2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Isaiah 62:2 (KJV)

Christians- Christ like

Personal new name- Upon our calling and conversion. In covenant with God. (Like Abraham See Genesis 17:1-5)

May we all be named as His. A new creation in Him.

Glory to God!!!

Interesting how Saul/Paul was circumcised. But, needed the circumcision of the heart to become Paul. His whole life and ministry is such an amazing testimony!

And he (through the Holy Spirit) is the author of most of the New Testament.

He had zeal (passion) and loved God; and God used that for His glory.

We all have a New Name upon being Born Again. The old man having been put to death.

Each of us to be a member of the Body of Christ.

May we be as fervent and faithful to the end as Paul.

Amen & Amen