Acts 26:9–20

Bible Studies for Life
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church, Mountain Brook

Redeemed from an Unbelieving Past 

Acts 26:9–20

Hatred for Jesus and His followers consumes some people. (9–11)

Paul’s cruelty against believers exemplifies the incredulity of unrepentant Pharisees that Jesus is God’s Messiah and Israel’s Lord. Before his conversion, the idea of a resurrected Messiah seemed incredible to Paul. His is a skepticism that was different from that of the pagan intellectuals, many of whom simply disregard this resurrection claim. Paul viewed alleged “Messiahs” as a threat to his Jewish faith, and he considered it his religious duty to squelch this newest Messianic movement.

“I also cast my vote” is literally “I also cast a voting pebble.” Judicial bodies routinely cast pebbles when deciding verdicts. To cast a condemning vote in this case meant to vote for the death penalty against believers. It is unlikely that Paul was a voting member of the Sanhedrin; rather, Paul’s words confirm his sympathies for condemnation. Paul verifies his opposition to the faith through his supporting vote. Acts mentions only Stephen and James as martyrs. However, this text makes clear that there were others put to death. By supporting their executions, Paul demonstrates his devotion to the orthodoxy of official Judaism.  

Jesus calls even those who oppose Him to become His disciples. (12–18)

On the road to Damascus, Paul saw “a light from heaven.” Paul emphasizes the intensity of the brightness, and here he adds that his traveling companions witnessed it as well. The great light surrounded them until they had fallen to the ground.  

The “goads” come from a Greek word referring to a stick with a sharpened point used like a cattle prod to goad an animal in the right direction. Paul was kicking against the goads of God’s guidance. His persecution of Jesus indicates his stubborn refusal to obey God’s redemptive plan, which includes Paul himself. Because God’s plan includes Paul, it is fruitless for him to persecute Jesus.

In verse 16, Jesus appoints Paul to be a servant and a witness to others about what he has seen of Christ’s glory and “what I will show of you.” Here Jesus is promising additional appearances to empower and direct Paul’s ministry. Other epiphanies include the Lord’s disclosure that Paul must bear witness in Rome (see Acts 23:11). Verse 18 contains three key infinitives to Paul’s new commission: “to open,” “to turn” and “to receive.” God sends Paul to the nations in order to open them to the truth of the gospel, to turn them from their ignorance of the light of the gospel, with the result that they are to receive forgiveness and eternal life from God through Christ.

Surrender to the truth of Jesus leads to radical transformation. (19–20)

Paul surrenders to his new calling, vowing obedience to the Lord’s visionary commission. Now he shares how he fulfilled this commission. The sphere of service includes Damascus, Jerusalem, the country of Judea and the vast Gentile lands. Paul repeats in different words his evangelistic word to the Jews and Gentiles in verse 20 that “they should repent and turn to God.” However, Paul adds here the imperative that they “do deeds consistent with repentance.” Clearly Paul believes salvation comes through faith in Jesus; good works are the outgrowth of an authentic, saving faith.    

From the start of his ministry Paul nearly lost his life, first in Damascus (Acts 9:20–25) and then in Jerusalem (Acts 9:29–30). It’s amazing that the man formerly so zealous for the death of Christ followers is now walking with them, risking his all daily for the sake of the gospel.