Dear Editor,
Paul (Paulus) is a Roman name. Sha’ul is Hebrew as evidenced in Acts 26:14 where Messiah called him by his Hebrew name. There’s no evidence in scripture as to why, when, or by whom this change was made. The ancient Romans had a national hero named Paulus and perhaps his name was changed in order to appease the Roman people. It is also possible that Paulus was used to represent the Hebrew name Pallu (Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14; Numbers 26:5, 8) which means “separated” in reference to his being especially set-apart.
What about the name “Jesus?” (read on and you decide) Yahushua cannot be translated or even transliterated into English and “Jesus” cannot be translated into Hebrew. “Iesous” (a Greek name and a pagan one at that) is rendered as Jesus (no “J” in Hebrew language) in English versions.
In the “Greek-English Lexicon” of Liddell and Scott, under “Iaso”: the Greek goddess of healing reveals that the name “Iaso” is “Ieso” in the Ionic Greek dialect, “Iesous” being the contracted genitive form. David Kravitz, in his “Dictionary of Greek and Roman Mythology”, a similar form, “Iasus” is found being four different Greek deities. “Ies” is the abbreviated form of “Iesous.” Dr. Bullinger, in “The Apocalypse”, page 396 states that “Ies” was part of the name of Bacchus the Roman god of wine and intoxication and equated with the Greek god Dionysus. “If the origin of words are pagan, they and their meanings are still pagan, just hidden from us.”
Ernest Andrews
Charlotte
Is this so? What does the KJV say about Acts 13:9? "Then Saul, (who also is called Paul), filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him"
What does "The Scriptures" (Hebrew translation) say about Acts 13:9? "Then Sha'ul, who also is Paul - filled with the Set-apart Spirit, looked intently at him"
"The L*RD changed it?" Where does this verse of Scripture say anything about this change by the L*RD?
There is no need to comment any further on my part. So be it.
Judy Andrews
Charlotte, NC
The definition for the name Paul is: “little.” It is also possible that Paulus (as was stated by your reader) was used to represent the Hebrew name Pallu The meaning for this name is: “separated” or “distinguished.” (Barnes’ Notes)
In the OT, Pallu is the name that was given to one of Ruben’s sons. ” (Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14; Numbers 26:5, 8)
In regard to the Apostle Paul, I consider “separated” or “distinguished” to be an accurate definition. As little as he may have been (physically) Paul was a distinguished man “set apart” from the others.
The other name that was mentioned by your reader is “Shaul.” (“Saul”) is the Hebrew name given to one of Simeon’s sons. The definition of “Shaul” is: “asked of God.” (Vine’s Expository of Old Testament Words)
When we read that definition, are we reading the people asking from God, or is God asking the people?
An opinionated statement I suppose, but I have to see the verb coming from two different directions and two different time periods.
In the OT we read that Saul was given to Israel to serve as a king not so much because they were in need of one as was the fact that they were jealous. The did not want to follow the directions given to them by God through a prophet. They wanted to be led by a king, despite they were warned of what might happen:
“But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!’ they said. We want a king to rule over us, then we will be like other nations with a king to lead us and go out for us and fight our battles.” 1st Sam. 8:19-20 . (NIV)
God gave the people a king. That king started out as a charismatic leader and became an egotistical destroyer.
"You are destroyed, O Israel, because you are against me, against your helper. Where is your king, that he may save you? Where are your rulers in all your towns, of whom you said, 'Give me a king and princes'? So in my anger I gave you a king, and in my wrath I took him away.” Hosea 13:11 (NIV)
In the NT we observe a God who though disappointed, He is as well concerned. He sends a King not because they wanted one but that they needed one. Again, the people attempted to give him back. The leaders of the Jewish people, the Pharisees and the rabbis jealous and in fear of what was apt to be taken from them had this king killed.
Attempts to destroy the faith that the people had in the resurrected King were “asked for” by Saul of Tarsus. On the road from Jerusalem to Damascus he is stopped and changed. “. . . this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” Acts 9:15 (NIV)
"Paul", 'Paulus", if derived from the Latin, signifies little, dwarfish: but if from the Hebrew, pala', it signifies one who will make things extraordinary or wonderful.(Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentry)
And wonderful is what he taught.
What about the name “Jesus?” Jesus (Iesous) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Joshua (yahushua) the Hebrew word meaning “ Yahweh is salvation.” (Barnes)
You stated that “Jesus” cannot be translated into Hebrew, reason given was that there was no “J” in the Hebrew language, that “Iesous” a pagan Greek name.
Is that telling me that because I am a Christian person, one that believes in Jesus as God in human form, by believing that (Yahweh is salvation) does that make me a pagan?
Pagan is the description given for one who does not acknowledge the God of the Bible. Me, I do.
Please don't ask Mr. Andrews (silveradross)on here if you are pagan. If you use the name Jesus, worship on Sunday, celebrate Easter (to mark Christ's death and resurection) and Christmas(to mark Christ's birth), if you believe in the Trinity, and if you don't follow OT law (even though Christians aren't bound by that law), and I'm sure I've forgotten several things; but, basically if you don't believe as Mr. Andrews believes, then yes you are pagan and not going to Heaven. By the way.....Christian is also not a word recognized by Mr. Andrews.
Just go back through the archives of letters and you will see what I mean. Please Mr. Andrews, we don't need another deludge of letters to the Journal about all of the topics you've gone over time and time again.......most of us have gotten it by now. Just let koheleth go through the archives PLEASE!!! I BEG YOU!!
These horses you keep beating are pretty dead and stinking after all this time.