Paul
Pronounced PAWL
- Meaning
- "Small; Humble"
- Origin
- Latin (Paulus)
Paul means "small" or "humble" in Latin. Originally named Saul, this former persecutor of Christians experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus and became the greatest missionary and theologian in church history. Paul authored thirteen epistles that form the backbone of Christian theology, covering salvation by grace through faith, the nature of the church, spiritual gifts, and practical Christian living. His missionary journeys spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Paul endured extraordinary hardships for the faith — shipwrecks, imprisonments, beatings, and ultimately martyrdom. Yet he declared, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). His life proves that God's grace can transform anyone.
Spiritual meaning
Paul's name — meaning 'humble' — reflects the posture of a man who counted everything as loss compared to knowing Christ. His radical transformation reminds us that no past is too dark for God's redeeming grace.
Related verses (KJV)
"He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel."
Acts 9:15 (KJV) →"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV) →