Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 13:9

"But Saul, who is also [called] Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him," — Acts 13:9 (ASV)

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul). This is the last time this apostle is called Saul. Henceforth, he is designated by the title by which he is usually known, as Paul. When or why this change occurred in the name has been a subject on which commentators have not agreed.

From the fact that the change in the name is first suggested here, it would seem probable that it was first used in relation to him at this time. By whom the name was given to him—whether he assumed it himself, or whether it was first given to him by Christians or by Romans—is not indicated.

The name is of Roman origin. In the Latin language, the name Paulus means little, dwarfish; and some have conjectured that it was given by his parents to denote that he was small when born; others, that it was assumed or conferred in subsequent years because he was little in stature. The name does not have the same meaning as the name Saul. Saul means one that is asked, or desired. After all the conjectures on this subject, it is probable:

1. That this name was first used here; for before this, even after his conversion, he is uniformly called Saul.

2. That it was given by the Romans, as being a name with which they were more familiar, and one that was more suited to their language and pronunciation. It was made by the change of a single letter, and probably because the name Paul was common among them and pronounced perhaps with greater ease.

3. Paul allowed himself to be called by this name, as he was employed chiefly among the Gentiles. It was common for names to undergo changes quite as great as this, without our being able to specify any particular cause, in passing from one language to another. Thus the Hebrew name Jochanan, among the Greeks and Latins was Johannes; with the French it is Jean, with the Dutch Hans, and with us John.—Doddridge. Thus Onias becomes Menelaus; Hillel, Pollio; Jakim, Alcimus; Silas, Silvanus, etc.—Grotius.

Filled with the Holy Spirit. Inspired to detect his sin, to denounce Divine judgment, and to inflict punishment on him. (See the note on Acts 2:4).

Set his eyes on him. Looked at him intently.