Traditionally, it has been said that Saul of Tarsus changed his name to Paul to reflect his new "life" in Christ. What other more pragmatic reason, bearing in mind where he preached, would explain the change?

well, in theory, a "new identity"... that he is not recognized as easily a previous persecutor because he is hanging with a "new crowd" and the name change would make that easier.

That is a good answer. But I was thinking more in terms of why Saul may not be the best name to have where he was traveling.

Ok, with the exception of Twin no one seems to want to bite on this one. And it is, I admit, a toughie. First, one has to recognize that Paul did all his proselytizing in Greek-speaking areas. Secondly, while Saul was a perfectly respectable Hebrew name, in Demotic Greek, it was a slang term for homosexual, analogous to "fag" or "queer." The most likely reason why he changed it.

Good one Juan. I agree that his name must have been a pun in " Demotic Greek" but can you provide a source that it really meant "homosexual" ?

Here's what I found

In Ireland 'Gay' is a boys' name. Gay Byrne is a famous man,a TV presenter and executive, there.

In comparison, Americans in Britain who are named Randy ("sexually promiscuous, lustful, lewd; eager for sexual gratification" [O.E.D.]) are fortunate.

quote:

can you provide a source that it really meant "homosexual" ?

Certainly.

T.J. Leary, "Paul's Improper Name," New Testament Studies, 38 (1992), 467-69.