Acts 26 15

Acts 26:15 kjv

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

Acts 26:15 nkjv

So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

Acts 26:15 niv

"Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' " 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied.

Acts 26:15 esv

And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.

Acts 26:15 nlt

"'Who are you, lord?' I asked. "And the Lord replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.

Acts 26 verses

Acts 26 15 Meaning

Jesus commissioned Paul to be a minister and a witness, proclaiming what he had seen and what he would still be shown concerning Jesus. This calling was to Gentiles and Jews, turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. The ultimate outcome would be forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Christ.

Acts 26 15 Context

This verse is spoken by Paul the Apostle during his defense before King Agrippa and a distinguished assembly. Agrippa has been describing Paul's case, and Paul seizes the opportunity to share his personal testimony and the gospel message. He recounts his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus and elaborates on the divine commission he received at that time. This is a critical moment where Paul explains his entire ministry and belief system to rulers and influential figures. The historical context is Roman rule over Judea, with a complex mix of Jewish and Gentile populations. Paul’s message directly confronts the darkness of paganism and the limitations of the Mosaic Law without Christ, offering true light and liberation through faith.

Acts 26 15 Word analysis

• “I am not disobedient to the heavenly vision.”

  • "I am not" (Ouk uphcouV w toV – Ouk): negates.
  • "disobedient" (apeiV – apeithv): refusal to yield to authority, disregard. It signifies a willful defiance.
  • "to the" (th/ - tē): definite article.
  • "heavenly" (epOuraniou – epouraniou): pertaining to heaven, celestial, divine origin.
  • "vision" (optasiV – optaseōs): a supernatural appearance or revelation; the substance of what is seen in such a manifestation.
    • Group Analysis: This phrase underscores Paul’s unhesitating compliance with the divine mandate revealed to him. It's a powerful declaration of his unwavering commitment stemming from a direct encounter with the risen Christ.

• “but, King Agrippa, I am not disobedient to the heavenly vision,”

  • "but" (alla – alla): introduces a contrast.
  • "King Agrippa" (Basileu Agrippa – Basileu Agrippa): Direct address to King Agrippa, invoking his authority and title, thereby framing his response in a formal and respectful manner to the highest official present.
  • "I am not disobedient to the heavenly vision," (to epoiV tV epOuraniou okV): repeated for emphasis, presenting Paul's action as obedience rather than defiance.

• “but Declared first to those at Damascus, both those at Damascus and in Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles,”

  • "but" (alla – alla): continuation of the declarative statement.
  • "declared" (apHggelon – aphggeilō): announced, proclaimed, reported.
  • "first" (prWton – prōton): indicates the initial proclamation.
  • "to those at Damascus" (toiV en DamaskW – tois en Damaskō): the primary location of his immediate obedience after the vision.
  • "both those at Damascus and in Jerusalem and throughout all the country of Judea" (kai toiV en te DamaskW kai en IerosolumoiV kai evn pasH tH tH Joudaias cWrai – kai tois en te Damaskō kai en Ierousalem kai en pasē te Ioudaia chōra): shows the sequential and geographically expanding nature of his initial proclamation, beginning in Damascus and extending throughout Judea, Paul's immediate religious and geographical sphere.
  • "and also to the Gentiles" (kai toiV eqnesin – kai tois ethnēsin): highlights the crucial expansion of his ministry to non-Jewish people, a core aspect of his apostolic calling and a contentious issue for many.

• “that they should repent and turn to God,”

  • "that they should" (wste metanoevsai kai epivtreyeiV eiV ton Qeon – hōste metanoēsai kai epistrepsai epi ton theon): "hōste" introduces purpose or result.
  • "repent" (metanoevsai – metanoēsai): Greek for "metanoia." Literally, a change of mind, a re-evaluation of one's life, leading to a turning away from sin and towards God. It's a fundamental aspect of the Gospel message.
  • "and turn" (kai epivtreyeiV – kai epistrepsai): to turn oneself, to convert. This signifies the active response to repentance – a deliberate change of direction.
  • "to God" (eiV ton Qeon – epi ton theon): towards God. This is the object of the turning; a reorientation of life and allegiance to the Creator.

• “performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”

  • "performing" (poiein – poiein): to do, to make.
  • "deeds" (egA – ergōv): works, actions.
  • "in keeping with" (axiaV thV metanoiV – axias tēs metanoias): literally, "worthy of the repentance." This phrase links outward actions to inner change, demonstrating the genuineness of the repentance. The works are a visible manifestation of the internal transformation.
    • Group Analysis: This part of the verse details the content of the "heavenly vision" and Paul's commission: a dual call to inner change (repentance) and outward transformation (deeds worthy of repentance), directed universally to both Jews and Gentiles.

• “And for this reason the King, O King Agrippa, has this appearance not without power.”

  • "And for this reason" (eF w duodExamhn tAuthn thn okV – heneken toutou kaiBasileu Agripa tou apou o opW fowh kai to – heneken toutou kai Basileu Agrippa sou opōsta). This links his proclamation and ministry directly to the divine command received from the heavenly vision. It's not Paul's invention, but a divinely mandated task.
  • "the King, O King Agrippa" (Basileu Agripa – Basileu Agrippa): repetition of the direct address.
  • "has this appearance" (eidon en ois esomenou – ekeis fainomhn te): The Greek could also be rendered as "I appeared to you." This refers to Christ’s appearing to Paul. However, here it is interpreted as referring to the ministry given, the proclamation of this divine commission.
  • "not without power" (ouc ektw thV i s Juna mews – ou pros touto apemoi ē epI m n ). The proclamation and ministry are empowered by divine might, not a human endeavor. This hints at the supernatural effectiveness of the gospel. The phrase emphasizes that the message and Paul's own transformation carried the authority and power of God.

• “Jesus’ Commissioning of Paul”

  • This describes Paul’s understanding of the purpose behind Jesus’ revelation to him. The vision wasn’t merely an appearance but an appointment for specific service.

Acts 26 15 Bonus section

The "heavenly vision" Paul refers to is a direct allusion to his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, detailed earlier in Acts (Acts 9, 22, and 26). This particular retelling to Agrippa emphasizes the commissioning aspect. The structure of his defense highlights the progression from divine encounter to gospel proclamation, marked by repentance, good works, and universal outreach. The concept of "deeds in keeping with repentance" is a practical expression of genuine conversion, aligning with biblical teachings across both Testaments that emphasize the inseparable link between faith and works (e.g., James 2:17-18). Paul’s boldness in addressing Agrippa also underscores his conviction in the truth of his message, viewing his entire life and ministry as a divinely orchestrated effort to fulfill this calling. The phrase "not without power" signifies the divine enablement for his ministry, the Holy Spirit's power to transform lives and confirm the message preached.

Acts 26 15 Commentary

Paul addresses King Agrippa, reiterating his fidelity to the divine mandate received from the risen Christ. His ministry, initiated after a supernatural vision on the Damascus road, was characterized by an urgent proclamation. This proclamation involved a two-fold call: firstly, a call for people to repent, signifying a profound inner change of mind and heart, and secondly, to turn to God, redirecting their allegiance and lives towards Him. Crucially, this inner transformation must be accompanied by outward actions—deeds—that are a genuine reflection and demonstration of their repentance, proving its sincerity. Paul emphasizes that this commission was not limited to the Jewish people but was explicitly extended to the Gentiles, signifying a universal offer of salvation. He concludes by asserting that the authority and power behind this divine appearance and commission are irrefutable, underlining that his ministry is not his own but empowered by God, conveying the weight and validity of the heavenly message.

• Practical Application: Genuine faith leads to visible changes in behavior and choices. Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing orientation of the heart demonstrated through consistent actions. The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background.