A frequent misinterpretation of Acts 13:9 is that it depicts Saul's divine name change to Paul at this exact moment, akin to patriarchal renamings in Genesis, whereas the parenthetical note simply introduces his Roman name for Gentile readers, as he bore both Saul and Paul from birth. Another error views the 'filling with the Holy Ghost' as a novel or permanent baptism distinct from Pentecost or conversion, ignoring that such fillings are repeated empowerments for specific tasks throughout Acts, not a one-time event.
Acts 13:9
King James Version (1769)
9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Acts 13:9 captures a pivotal moment where Saul, also known as Paul, is filled with the Holy Spirit and fixes his gaze on the sorcerer Elymas, demonstrating the empowering presence of the Spirit in confronting deception and false prophecy. This verse underscores the theme of divine authority exercised through Spirit-filled believers, as Paul boldly opposes spiritual opposition during the early missionary outreach, illustrating how the Holy Spirit equips apostles to discern and rebuke evil, advancing the gospel amid resistance.