1:1 Paul. We know from fifteen references in Acts 7–13 that Paul was also called “Saul.” In his letters, however, he always calls himself “Paul,” a common Roman name.

apostle. The word means “messenger.” Paul could on occasion use it to refer to an envoy such as Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25), but he uses it here to denote the original apostles at Jerusalem (1:19; 1 Cor. 15:9). Paul claims the authority of an apostle to lay the foundation of the church (1 Cor. 3:10; 9:1; 14:37, 38; Eph. 2:20; 3:3–5). His apostleship and calling came from God Himself (1:11–2:10). See 2 Cor. 1:1 note.