Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A historical and biblical figure: In the Old Testament, Saul was the first king of the Israelites, chosen to unite and defend the tribes against their enemies.
   • The pre-conversion name of the Apostle Paul: In the New Testament, Saul was the original name of Paul before his transformative experience on the road to Damascus, after which he became a leading Christian missionary.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel.
  • In the Book of Acts, Saul was present at the stoning of Stephen before his conversion.

Advanced Usage

• "A Saul-like transformation": Refers to a profound, radical change in someone's beliefs or character, akin to the conversion of Saul to Paul.
  • His renunciation of violence represented a Saul-like transformation.

Variants and Related Words

• Paul (proper noun): The name adopted by Saul of Tarsus after his conversion to Christianity.
• Saul of Tarsus (proper noun): A specific designation for the New Testament figure, identifying his city of origin.

Synonyms

• Monarch (for the Old Testament king): A sovereign head of state.
• Persecutor-turned-evangelist (for the New Testament figure): Describes the dramatic shift in Saul/Paul's role.

Related Phrases

• From Saul to Paul: An idiom describing a complete and fundamental change in someone's life, especially in their beliefs or moral character.
  • His recovery and advocacy work was a real journey from Saul to Paul.

Noun

1. (New Testament) a Christian missionary to the Gentiles; author of several Epistles in the New Testament; even though Paul was not present at the Last Supper he is considered an Apostle
   • Paul's name was Saul prior to his conversion to Christianity
2. (Old Testament) the first king of the Israelites who defended Israel against many enemies (especially the Philistines)