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Acts 26

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

What does Acts 26:16 mean?

Explanation

This verse comes from the Book of Acts, in a section where Paul recounts his conversion experience on the road to Damascus before King Agrippa.

The phrase "But rise, and stand upon thy feet" is spoken by Jesus to Paul (then Saul) after he has fallen to the ground during the blinding vision. The instruction to rise indicates the urgent need for Paul to assume his new purpose.

"For I have appeared unto thee for this purpose" signifies that the appearance of Jesus to Paul is intentional and meant to initiate Paul into a divine mission.

The mission has two parts: "to make thee a minister and a witness." As a minister, Paul is to serve, spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As a witness, he is charged to testify both to the truth of his own miraculous experience (what he has seen) and the revelations of Christ that he would continue to receive ("those things in the which I will appear unto thee").

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts was written by Luke, a companion of Paul.

Acts provides a narrative of the early Christian Church and the spread of its teachings after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This part of Acts 26 narrates Paul's defense before King Agrippa, explaining his conversion and mission.

This occurred in the first century, during a time of tension and conflict between the early Christians and both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, this verse represents the transformative power of divine intervention. It reflects the calling of Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, to become one of Christianity’s greatest evangelists.

Different theological interpretations may focus on the characteristics of Paul's mission.

Some may emphasize the idea of Christian ministry as being chosen by Christ rather than self-appointed. Others might highlight the theme of spiritual witness, suggesting that true testimony is rooted in both personal experience and revelation.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary Christian context, this verse can encourage individuals to reflect on their own sense of purpose and calling.

It pushes believers to consider how they can serve and witness within their communities, suggesting that one can always be redirected towards a positive path, much like Paul was.

The verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of being open to new experiences that can reshape understanding and guide actions, indicating that one’s past does not have to define their future.

Cross-References

Acts 9:3-6 – Describes Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus.
Acts 22:14-15 – Another recount of Paul being chosen to see the Just One and to hear the voice of His mouth.
Ephesians 3:7 – Paul speaks of becoming a minister according to the gift of the grace of God.

Language Study

The key words in this verse, in their original Greek language, include:

"Anastēthi" (Ἀνάστηθι): Translated as "rise," it carries the literal sense of "stand up," but also metaphorically to "arise" or "awake."
"Hypereten" (ὑπηρέτην): Translated as "minister," indicating one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master; a servant or attendant.
"Martur" (μάρτυρα): Translated as "witness," referring to one who attests to a fact or event; a witness in a legal or historical sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of spiritual transformation and being called into service by a deity can be compared with various figures in ancient myths and other religions.

For example, in Greek mythology, the hero Perseus receives guidance and tools from the gods for his mission.

In Hinduism, Arjuna receives divine instruction from Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts, the experience of visions and their effects on human behavior is a subject of interest in psychology and neuroscience.

There are studies on how powerful experiences, sometimes interpreted as religious or spiritual encounters, can lead to significant changes in a person's life and behavior.

Commentaries

Commentary on Acts 26:16 varies among biblical scholars:

John Gill comments on the sufficiency of grace in this passage, which not only calls but qualifies men for the ministry.
Matthew Henry emphasizes the charge given to Paul, highlighting it as both a commission and a revelation.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the responsibility and privilege that comes with Paul's appointment as a witness by Christ himself.

Acts 26

Acts 26

What does Acts 26:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 26:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?