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Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Spurgeon - I truly thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.… You, perhaps, know what that means — compel them to blaspheme. The Roman way of doing it was to say, "Curse Christ." Often and often did the Roman Emperor command the martyrs to curse Christ, and you remember Polycarp's answer — "How can I curse Him? Sixty years have I known Him; He never did me a displeasure, and I cannot and I will not curse Him." Then the whip was applied, or the hand was held over burning coals, or the flesh was pinched with hot irons, and then the question was put again — "Will you curse Christ now?" Paul says that he, though probably using milder means, compelled the professor of Christ's faith to blaspheme. And there may be some such here — the husband who persecutes his wife for Christ's sake; the father who charges his child, upon his obedience, never to go to the sanctuary of the Lord again; the master who plagues his servant, mocks and jeers, and can never be content, except when he is saying hard things against him. Acts 26:12 "While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, NET Acts 26:12 "While doing this very thing, as I was going to Damascus with authority and complete power from the chief priests, GNT Acts 26:12 Ἐν οἷς πορευόμενος εἰς τὴν Δαμασκὸν μετ᾽ ἐξουσίας καὶ ἐπιτροπῆς τῆς τῶν ἀρχιερέων NLT Acts 26:12 "One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. KJV Acts 26:12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, ESV Acts 26:12 "In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. CSB Acts 26:12 "I was traveling to Damascus under these circumstances with authority and a commission from the chief priests. NIV Acts 26:12 "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. NKJ Acts 26:12 "While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, NRS Acts 26:12 "With this in mind, I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, YLT Acts 26:12 'In which things, also, going on to Damascus -- with authority and commission from the chief priests -- NAB Acts 26:12 "On one such occasion I was traveling to Damascus with the authorization and commission of the chief priests. NJB Acts 26:12 'On such an expedition I was going to Damascus, armed with full powers and a commission from the chief priests, GWN Acts 26:12 "I was carrying out these activities when I went to the city of Damascus. I had the power and authority of the chief priests. BBE Acts 26:12 Then, when I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and orders of the chief priests, As I was journeying to Damascus - Acts 9:1, 2; 22:5. with. Acts 26:10. 1 Ki. 21:8–10. Ps 94:20, 21. Isa 10:1. Jer 26:8; 29:26, 27. Jn 7:45–48; 11:57. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Paul Presents His Testimony to Agrippa - Acts 26:1-21 Acts 26:1-3 His Congeniality Acts 26:4-5 His Character Acts 26:6-8 His Confidence Acts 26:9-11 His Cruelty Acts 26:12-15 His Conversion Acts 26:16-18 His Commission Acts 26:19-21 His Compliance PAUL'S LIFE TRANSFORMING ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS See Map of Paul's conversion. While so engaged - And I would add "while so enraged!" As I was journeying to Damascus - Paul has just painted a picture of his violence against the Christians which would serve to make his conversion on the Damascus Road even that much more miraculous! This should have served to gain Agrippa's attention and convince him of the supernatural transformation that Saul had experienced. Is this not ironic that the same group (chief priests) who gave him authority to persecute and kill Christians are now the very ones who wanted to carry that out on Paul! As we often say "Jesus changes everything," and here we see in more ways than one! With the authority and commission of the chief priests - Authority is exousia which is the same word used in Acts 26:18 to describe Satan (dominion) who is given the "right and the might" over non-believers. One has to believe that Satan's "exousia" gave him the right to influence the Jewish chief priest and Paul filling them with intense hatred. Luke's use of both exousia (which by itself conveys authority) and epitrope serves to emphasize the sense of complete authority the chief priests had delegated to Saul. Marshall adds that "Whereas the earlier accounts speak of ‘letters’, here Paul speaks of the authority and commission which the letters contained. In Acts 9:2+ ("asked for letters from him") the authority was gained from the high priest, but here it comes from the high priests, i.e. the leading priestly officials (Acts 9:14, 21+). (TNTC-Acts) UBS Handbook adds that "The reference would be to a document indicating the authority given him by the High Priest." Commission (only NT use) (2011)(epitrope from epi = upon + trope = a turning) describes the permission, an office granted, full power or authorization to carry out a specific assignment, in this case to persecute those who believed in Jesus. It speaks of Paul having been delegated fully authority, and complete power.
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Spurgeon - The Conversion of Saul of Taurus - Acts 26:14 - a sermon Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries A HAUGHTY MAN IS BROUGHT LOW And when we had all fallen to the ground - Saul had to be brought low before he could receive the Word and be exalted (cp James 1:21, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5) Darrell Bock - Bock: All fell down, but only Saul heard the voice. Only this version notes that all fell to the ground. This shows that it was a real, external event, not merely an internal vision of Jesus. Only Saul, however, understood the exchange. (BECNT- Acts) Marshall - Overwhelmed by the experience they all fell to the ground; contrast Acts 9:4 and Acts 22:7 where only Paul is said to fall to the ground. Nothing is said here about Paul being blinded by the light, which in any case did not apparently affect the sight of his companions. In this particular account all the attention is concentrated on what the Lord said to Paul, and therefore questions about his blindness and the reaction of his companions are not raised; there is in fact no conclusion to the story of the conversion (contrast Acts 9:7–9; Acts 22:11), and Paul goes straight on to record his response to the Lord’s command (Acts 22:19). (TNTC-Acts) Dore Woodcut I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect - Paul would have been thinking "This Man knows our language." Hebrew (1446)(Hebrais) refers to the Hebrew language; not that however in which the OT was written. Most observers interpret this as a reference to the lingua franca in Palestine which was the closely related Semitic language of Aramaic. It is unlikely that the Roman commander Claudius Lysias would have been able to fully understand what Paul was saying. Dialect (language) (1258)(dialektos from dialegomai = to dispute, discourse, reason) usually refers to the specific dialect of a region or special district within a nation, speaking of the the form of speech characteristic of a nation or region (I am from Texas and have a definite Texas twang or "dialect"). Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? How could Paul be persecuting Jesus who was not present on earth? It was because he was persecuting those who were in covenant with Jesus and thus to persecute them was tantamount to persecuting Jesus. In short when we enter into the New Covenant by grace through faith we enter into a supernatural union and oneness with Jesus. See the studies below on covenant that emphasize this vitally important principle. One practical application to understand is that if you are persecuted for the sake of Jesus, you do not need to try to take revenge. You have a "Covenant Defender" (see especially The Exchange of Armor and Belts) Who will come to your defense and vindicate the wrong against you (either in this life or the life to come!)
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Spurgeon - Three times we have in Holy Writ a graphic report of the conversion of Paul. This may be accounted for partly from its being one of the most remarkable events of early sacred history, Paul having had a greater effect upon the Christian Church than any other living man. At the same time I think it teaches us that the Holy Spirit sets especial store by the facts connected with this very remarkable conversion. If he gives it three times, in the sacred volume, we ought to give it a triple attention, and see if we cannot learn therefrom.
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Spurgeon writes "With what courtesy does he speak! Paul is bold; but see how he is all things to all men! And he begins an address for his life with great adroitness and skill; teaching us that we are to use all the courtesies of life to those to whom they belong, and never to cause needless irritation. There is enough offence in the Cross of itself, without our being offensive when uplifting it.....It is always well to try to be on good terms with the person whom you wish to impress with the truth of the gospel. Paul therefore did not begin bluntly, as some foolish people would have done, but he addressed the king most courteously and respectfully. I think I see the little man, as he doubtless was. Paul the man with feeble eyes, and with no great bodily presence to command attention, yet bravely stretching out his hand, and, like a preacher, thus addressing Herod Agrippa." Gilbrant - Paul made no criticism of the king's empty display, nor did he refer to the jewelry of Bernice or her unsavory reputation. He was intent not on defending himself but his Master. The cause of Christ was always more important to him than his own cause. Thus, with all courtesy and deep earnestness he began his defense. (Ibid) Consider (2233) (hegeomai from ágo = to lead) primarily signifies to lead then, consider (Heb 11:26; 2Pe 3:15) To think about and come to a conclusion. It was a mathematical term. The idea here is of making a decision after weighing the facts and/or circumstances. Make...defense (626)(apologeomai from apo = from + logos = speech) literally means, “to talk one’s self off from" and thus to speak in one's own defense, defend oneself. BDAG - "to speak in one’s own defense against charges presumed to be false," Apologia was a technical word used in the Greek law courts and was used of an attorney who talked his client off from a charge preferred against him. In short it refers to a speech given in defense. The English word “apologetics” comes from the Gr. word here translated “defense.” Our English word apology originally did not mean “to say I am sorry” but actually referred to “a defense presented in court.” Apologetics is the branch of theology that deals with the defense of the faith. Every Christian should be able to give a reasoned defense of his hope in Christ, especially in hopeless situations. A crisis creates the opportunity for witness when a believer behaves with faith and hope, because the unbelievers will then sit up and take notice. See Related Resources at Gotquestions: What is Christian apologetics? Does the Bible call Christians to defend the faith / argue for the faith? What is classical apologetics?; What is an apologist?; What is evidential apologetics? What is presuppositional apologetics? Questions about Apologetics and Worldview Apologeomai - 10x in 10v - Usage: defend(1), defending(2), make a defense(1), make...defense(3), said in...defense(1), saying in...defense(1), speak in...defense(1). Only used twice in the Septuagint - Jer 12:1, Jer 31:6. Luke 12:11 "When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; Luke 21:14 "So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; Acts 19:33 Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. Acts 24:10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, Acts 25:8 while Paul said in his own defense, "I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar." Acts 26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense: Acts 26:2 "In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today; Acts 26:24 While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad." Romans 2:15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 2 Corinthians 12:19 All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved. Acts 26:3 especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. BGT Acts 26:3 μάλιστα γνώστην ὄντα σε πάντων τῶν κατὰ Ἰουδαίους ἐθῶν τε καὶ ζητημάτων, διὸ δέομαι μακροθύμως ἀκοῦσαί μου. NET Acts 26:3 because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversial issues of the Jews. Therefore I ask you to listen to me patiently. GNT Acts 26:3 μάλιστα γνώστην ὄντα σε πάντων τῶν κατὰ Ἰουδαίους ἐθῶν τε καὶ ζητημάτων, διὸ δέομαι μακροθύμως ἀκοῦσαί μου. NLT Acts 26:3 for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently! KJV Acts 26:3 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. ESV Acts 26:3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. CSB Acts 26:3 especially since you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. NIV Acts 26:3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. NKJ Acts 26:3 "especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. NRS Acts 26:3 because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg of you to listen to me patiently. YLT Acts 26:3 especially knowing thee to be acquainted with all things -- both customs and questions -- among Jews; wherefore, I beseech thee, patiently to hear me. NAB Acts 26:3 especially since you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and controversies. And therefore I beg you to listen patiently. NJB Acts 26:3 the more so because you are an expert in matters of custom and controversy among the Jews. So I beg you to listen to me patiently. GWN Acts 26:3 I say this since you are especially familiar with every custom and controversy in Judaism. So I ask you to listen patiently to me. BBE Acts 26:3 The more so, because you are expert in all questions to do with the Jews and their ways: so I make my request to you to give me a hearing to the end. because. Acts 26:26; Acts 6:14; 21:21; 24:10; 25:19, 20, 26; 28:17. Dt 17:18. 1 Co. 13:2. therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently Acts 24:4. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Paul Presents His Testimony to Agrippa - Acts 26:1-21 Acts 26:1-3 His Congeniality Acts 26:4-5 His Character Acts 26:6-8 His Confidence Acts 26:9-11 His Cruelty Acts 26:12-15 His Conversion Acts 26:16-18 His Commission Acts 26:19-21 His Compliance PAUL EXPLAINS WHY HE CONSIDERED HIMSELF FORTUNATE Paul is not flattering like Tertullus did (Acts 24:2-4+) but is sincere - he is thankful that Agrippa is familiar with aspects of the Jewish religion. Jack Arnold - Paul was cool, calm and collected as he was surrounded by all these prominent personages. He was the commanding figure in this banquet and he had commanding control of the whole situation. Paul became the center of attention and he conducted himself like a gentleman. Paul was delighted to give his testimony before Agrippa for Agrippa understood Mosaic Law and Jewish religious customs. Notice how polite, courteous and congenial Paul was as he spoke directly to the king. Paul did not argue with Agrippa. He did not use caustic language. He did not raise his voice. He did not start out by telling Agrippa he was a sinner in need of Christ and destined for hell if he did not repent and turn to Christ. Paul merely gave his testimony, giving an intelligent, logical and magnificent witness to King Agrippa. (Sermon) Butler quips that "Paul did not slobber with sycophantic statements to Agrippa but honored Agrippa properly by stating that Agrippa had much knowledge regarding the subject upon which Paul was being tried." (Analytical Bible Expositor – Acts) Longenecker - "This was just the kind of situation Paul had longed for during two bleak years in prison-viz., a knowledgeable judge and a not inherently antagonistic audience before whom he could not only make his defense but also proclaim his message." Especially because you are an expert...therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently - "since you are outstandingly familiar" Later Paul declares that Agrippa knew about the events that had occurred concerning Jesus (Acts 26:26+) and that he believed the Old Testament prophets (Acts 26:27+) In short Paul appealed to this "good" quality of Agrippa to open the door so that Agrippa might listen carefully and receive the Gospel Paul was about to explain. Yes he was giving a defense but as he did he gave the Gospel and in so doing Agrippa (and all present that fateful day) became the defendants! What Paul did on that day is what believers are to do as they seek to imitate Paul (1 Cor 11:1+)... Sanctify (aorist imperative = "Just Do It!) Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope (cf Pal speaking of "hope" in the following verses) that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; (1 Peter 3:15+) J
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Spurgeon - The Jews still had hope concerning the promise of the Messiah, and all the promises in God’s covenant with them; and Paul says that for the sake of this hope he had been led to do that which had now brought him as a prisoner before the king. Notice that the fiction concerning “the ten lost tribes” has no foundation in Scripture. There are no lost tribes, several of them are mentioned by name in the New Testament; the apostle James writes “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,” and here Paul speaks of them as “our twelve tribes.” The Jews whom we have among us at this day belong to all of the twelve tribes, as they will tell you if you ask them. There are no lost tribes yet to be discovered, neither are we, as a nation, those ten tribes that are supposed to have been lost. We are Gentiles, and not Jews. The apostle speaks here concerning the hope of the whole nation of the Jews. We who have believed in Jesus are the inheritors of that grand hope, as we have understood it aright, and have realized that it is fulfilled in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the only-begotten Son of God. Being accused (present tense - continually being accused)(1458)(egkaleo from en = in + kaleo = to call) was a legal technical term meaning to bring charges against, institute proceedings against someone. All 7 NT uses - Acts 19:38; Acts 19:40; Acts 23:28; Acts 23:29; Acts 26:2; Acts 26:7; Rom. 8:33 James Smith - When King Agrippa came to Cæsarea to salute Festus, the new governor, he was told the story of Paul, the prisoner; how the charges brought against him had not been proven, and how he had “appealed to Cæsar.” Festus was quite pleased that Agrippa should hear him on the morrow, in the hope that this might help him out of the “unreasonableness” of sending a prisoner to Augustus without being able to “signify the crimes laid against him.” So Paul is brought out once more and permitted to speak for himself. The apostle’s defence was the story of his conversion—this was always his apologetic for Christianity. Like the sword of Goliath, “there is none like it.” It so affected Festus that he thought Paul had gone mad through “much learning;” it so touched the conscience of Agrippa that he said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Look at Paul’s defence, then, as revealing the characteristics of a true Christian— I. HE IS A CHANGED MAN (Acts 26:9–15).—Once he did many things contrary to the name of Jesus. Now he was His bond-slave. The change was radical and complete, wrought not by the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God. He was born from above. No one can be a Christian without being “born again.” A new nature is needed before we can see the things of the kingdom of God, or enjoy the fellowship of Christ, the only begotten of the Father. II. HE IS AN EMPOWERED MAN.—Empowered by the Lord Jesus Christ to be a witness unto Him by opening the eyes of sin-blinded men, and turning them from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:16–18). God does not send us a warfare on our own charges (Acts 1:8). The evidence that a man is sent by God is that he does the work that none others can do by their own strength and wisdom. Signs must follow those who believe. III. HE IS AN OBEDIENT MAN.—“I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). To be disobedient to the heavenly call is to seal our own spiritual doom. Neither did he dishonour Him who had called him by immediately conferring with flesh and blood (Gal. 1:15–16). He settled the matter right off with the Lord Himself as to what he would do. IV. HE IS A DIVINELY HELPED MAN.—“Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day” (Acts 26:21–22). He had been often persecuted, but never forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed He had experienced the promise of his Lord—“I will never leave thee” Every faithful servant of Christ will be able, at the close of life, to raise an Ebenezer to the honour of His name. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. V. HE IS A DEVOTED MAN.—“Saying none other things than those … that Christ should suffer” (Acts 26:23). Paul was wholly yielded up to the interests of Christ and His cross. He meant it when he said, “To me to live is Christ. I am determined to know nothing among men save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Unless our lives are entirely yielded up to Him our testimony for Him will be powerless and fruitless. VI. HE IS A MISUNDERSTOOD MAN.—Festus said, “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad” (Acts 26:24). The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, they are foolishness unto him. To those who are in a perishing condition “the preaching of the cross is foolishness” (1 Cor. 1:18). The disciple is not greater than his Lord Did they not say of Christ, He hath a devil and is mad? (John 10:20). VII. HE IS A COURTEOUS MAN.—“I am not mad, most noble Festus.” Honour to whom honour is due. The grace of God will always teach a man to be civil There is no man on earth who can better afford to honour the nobility than the Christian, for he himself has been exalted into the ranks of the blood-royal of heaven. Children of God. VIII. HE IS A FAITHFUL MAN.—“King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?” This personal appeal to the king must surely have come to him with startling suddenness, while it reveals the simple, fearless courage of the man whose heart God had transformed, and perhaps a real longing for the spiritual and eternal well-being of Agrippa. Paul had always an eye on his Master’s business; pulling men out of the fire of sin. IX. HE IS A SATISFIED MAN.—When Agrippa confessed that he was “Almost persuaded to be a Christian,” see how quickly Paul shows him that it is the better part. “I would to God that thou and all … were altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (Acts 26:29). There was not a richer or happier man in Caesarea than Paul. The peace of God was in his heart, and the unsearchable riches of Christ were his. The Hope of Israel - Charles Roll - O the hope of Israel, the Savior thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest Thou be as a stranger in the land?... O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake Thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 14:8; 17:13). Because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain (Acts 28:20). The Hope of Israel is definitely a title of Messiah. It is related to the kingdom of God and the salvation of God as predicted by the prophets and preached by Paul (Acts 26:6-8). On account of this very testimony Paul was apprehended by the Jews and arraigned before the governors of the land. "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?" The dignified, descriptive declaration of Paul's defense before King Agrippa is one of the finest pieces of oratory in all literature. He did not contend with the Jews over their false charge of sedition, but confined his statement to the superlative subject of salvation. He courageously and capably affirmed that the reconciling death and victorious resurrection of Christ fulfilled the predictions of prophets and the pledges of the promises made to the Fathers. This was the apostle's constant theme (see Romans 15:8-13). He did not modify or qualify the fact at any time, but affirmed it clearly and confidently. The resurrection from the dead is bound up inextricably with the Hope of Israel and is affirmed by Abraham, Job, Moses, David, Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea, and others of the prophets. Messiah himself avowed, "I am the resurrection and the life." In the light of the almighty omnipotent God, resurrection from the dead is not incredible but inevitable, for He has pledged it, and one word from the Lord God outweighs in worth and wisdom a whole library of human utterances. The arresting grandeur of Christ's monumental mastery over death, the momentous marvel of His resurrection, and the matchless miracle of His ascension, dim into insignificance all former events in history. Scientists may speak of a general resurrection as being a grave difficulty, but the word difficulty is not in the dictionary of Deity, nor is impossibility in the vocabulary of the victorious and infinite Christ. We do not flout human science nor do we fear it, but we favor a much higher fount of authority. If the present radio and recording system had been described in a university a century ago, it would have been declared preposterous. When Paul the apostle introduced this subject of the Hope of Israel, he raised eternal issues that were universal in their then present application. In the wonderful message of Romans 15 Paul declares in verses 8 and 9: "Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy." The promises of God are supported and sustained by wisdom's seven pillars (Proverbs 9:1). 1. God's superiority and sovereignty will not allow Him to withhold mercy or mediation from any one people (Psalm 145:9; Isaiah 55:7). 2. His power and preeminence will not permit Him to fail or falter in a single pledge He has made (Joshua 23:14). 3. His justice and prudence will not allow Him to deceive or despise one solitary soul (Job 34:12; 36:5). 4. His grace and goodness will not allow Him to forget or forsake any individual creature anywhere (Ezekiel 18:4; Isaiah 49:15). 5. His truth and tenderness will not permit Him to change or countermand one syllable of His covenant (2 Samuel 23:5; Jeremiah 31:33-35; Luke 1:68-72). 6. His glory and greatness will not allow Him to deflect or defer one proffered signal of help (Hebrews 13:6). 7. His fatherhood and faithfulness will not permit Him to disregard or discard an atom of assurance promised to the believing soul (Galatians 3:15-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Notice that the word promise occurs seven times in Galatians; three, in the space of as many verses; which pertains to the covenant confirmed before of God in Christ (verse 17). This covers the widest range (Galatians 3:27-29; see also Ephesians 1:9-10). "Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth... there is nothing too hard for Thee" (Jeremiah 32:17). "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27) In addition to faith in the promises, the believer enjoys the blessed anchorage of hope in the eternal purpose which preceded all the differences of nation, race, class, creed, and sex. (The Names and Titles of Jesus Christ) Acts 26:8 "Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead? BGT Acts 26:8 τί ἄπιστον κρίνεται παρ᾽ ὑμῖν εἰ ὁ θεὸς νεκροὺς ἐγείρει; NET Acts 26:8 Why do you people think it is unbelievable that God raises the dead? GNT Acts 26:8 τί ἄπιστον κρίνεται παρ᾽ ὑμῖν εἰ ὁ θεὸς νεκροὺς ἐγείρει; NLT Acts 26:8 Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead? KJV Acts 26:8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? ESV Acts 26:8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? CSB Acts 26:8 Why is it considered incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? NIV Acts 26:8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? NKJ Acts 26:8 "Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? NRS Acts 26:8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? YLT Acts 26:8 why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead? NAB Acts 26:8 Why is it thought unbelievable among you that God raises the dead? NJB Acts 26:8 Why does it seem incredible to you that God should raise the dead? GWN Acts 26:8 Why do all of you refuse to believe that God can bring dead people back to life? BBE Acts 26:8 Why, in your opinion, is it outside belief for God to make the dead come to life again? Acts 4:2; 10:40–42; 13:30, 31; 17:31, 32; 25:19. Ge. 18:14. Mt 22:29–32. Lu. 1:37; 18:27. Jn 5:28, 29. 1 Co. 15:12–20. Phil 3:21 Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Paul Presents His Testimony to Agrippa - Acts 26:1-21 Acts 26:1-3 His Congeniality Acts 26:4-5 His Character Acts 26:6-8 His Confidence Acts 26:9-11 His Cruelty Acts 26:12-15 His Conversion Acts 26:16-18 His Commission Acts 26:19-21 His Compliance Related Resource: See verse by verse commentary on 1 Corinthians 15 the "Resurrection Chapter" THE INCREDIBLE RESURRECTION Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead? - The IF introduces a first class condition which assumes God does raise the dead. This is a rhetorical question. It is another way of asking is anything impossible for God? Of course not. He could raise the dead and the Jews who belonged to the sect of Pharisees believed that was possible. Robertson of raise the dead - "Only God can do it. This rhetorical question needs no answer, though the narrative resumed in Acts 26:9 does it in a way." Paul Apple aptly observes that "Abrahamic promises make no sense apart from a future hope." Fruchtenbaum - The second hope that he was being attacked for was the resurrection hope in verse 8: Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead? In the Greek, Paul used the second person plural here (you), indicating that he had turned away from Agrippa and was now addressing the general audience. Paul’s question to them was: Why is it judged incredible with you [all], if God does raise the dead? If God is who He is, then He can raise the dead. Paul’s point, of course, was that God did raise Yeshua. The key issue then, is the Messianic Hope and the resurrection hope. (Messianic Bible Study) Marshall - The point at issue was Paul’s belief in the resurrection. He takes the offensive by asking why it should be thought incredible that God raises the dead. The question is asked in general terms. For Pharisees there should have been no difficulty, since in general they did believe in the resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe in it, but they could well be asked why they regarded it as something that God could not accomplish. But of course, although Paul asks the question in general terms, the real point at issue is the resurrection of Jesus which attested that he was the Messiah: why should that be thought incredible? (TNTC-Acts) David
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Spurgeon - That great fact of the resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of the temple of truth, the key-stone of the arch of the Gospel. The apostles made this truth very prominent in their preaching, and here Paul began his address with it. It was the great difficulty of the Christian religion at that period, so Paul went straight to it at once. The Resurrection Credible - C. H. Spurgeon. Acts 26:8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? Concerning the souls of our departed Christian friends we suffer no distress. Our main trouble is about their bodies. Even the perfect Man could not restrain His weeping at Lazarus' tomb. The doctrine of the Resurrection teaches us that we need have no trouble about the body, it has not gone to annihilation. The Lord's love to His people is a love towards their entire manhood. He took into union with His Deity both soul and body, and redeemed both, and both are sanctified by the Divine indwelling. So our complete manhood shall have it in its power to glorify Him forever. This being our hope, we nevertheless confess that sometimes the evil heart of unbelief cries, "Is it possible?" At such times the text is needful. I. LET US LOOK THIS DIFFICULTY IN THE FACE. We rejoice in the fact that there will be a great change in the body; that its materialism will have lost all its grossness and corruption, and that it will be adapted for higher purposes; but there shall be an identity between the body in which we die and the body in which we rise. Not, however, that identity is the same thing as absolute sameness of substance and continuance of atoms. We are living in the same bodies which we possessed twenty years ago; yet no single atom remains that was in it then. Admit the like identity in the resurrection, and it is all we ask. Now this hope is naturally surrounded with many difficulties, because: — 1. The large majority of dead bodies have been utterly dissolved. 2. Think how widely diffused are the atoms which once built up living forms. 3. The difficulty increases when we reflect that all men will rise again. Think of the myriads who have passed away in countries like China, of those who have perished by shipwreck, plague, and war. 4. The wonder increases when we remember in what strange places many of these bodies now are. In fact, where are not man's remains? Blows there a single wind down our streets without whirling along particles of what once was man? 5. And, moreover, to make the wonder extraordinary beyond conception, they will rise at once, or perhaps in two great divisions (Revelation 20:5, 6). Where shall they stand? What plains of earth shall hold them? 6. And then this resurrection will not be a mere restoration, but in the case of the saints will involve a remarkable advance. We put into the ground a bulb, and it rises as a golden lily; we drop into the mould a seed, and it comes forth an exquisite flower; even thus, the bodies, which are sown in burial, shall spring up by Divine power into outgrowths, surpassing all imagination in beauty. 7. One of the difficulties of believing it is, that there are positively no full analogies in nature by which to support it. Some have seen in sleep the analogy of death, and in our awakening the resurrection. But a continuance of life is manifest to the man in his dreams and to all onlookers. The development of insects is quoted as a striking analogy. But there is life in the chrysalis, organisation, in fact, the entire fly. Nor is the analogy of the seed much more conclusive, for a life germ always remains, and the crumbling organisation becomes its food from which it builds itself up again. The resurrection stands alone; and, concerning it, the Lord might well say, "Behold, I do a new thing in the earth." Here, then, is the difficulty. Is it a credible thing that the dead should be raised? II. REMOVE THE DIFFICULTY. It might seem incredible that the dead should be raised, but why should it seem incredible that God should raise the dead? Grant that God is, that He is omnipotent, and that He has said the dead shall be raised, and belief is no longer hard but inevitable. Difficulty is not in the dictionary of the Godhead. Is anything too hard for the Lord? 1. When Paul uttered our text he was speaking to one to whom he could say, "Believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest!" It was, therefore, good reasoning to say, "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you?" etc. For, as a Jew, Agrippa had the testimony of Job — "For I know that my Redeemer liveth"; and of David (Psalm 16); of Isaiah (Isaiah 26:19); of Daniel (Daniel 12:2, 3); of Hosea (Hosea 13:14). 2. To us as Christians there has been granted yet fuller evidence (John 5:28; John 6:30; Romans 8:11; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:1). 3. At the same time it may be well to look around us, and note what helps the Lord has appointed for our faith. (1) There are many wonders which we should not have believed by mere report, if we had not come across them by experience. The electric telegraph, e.g. When our missionaries in tropical countries have told the natives of ice, the natives have refused to believe. After the resurrection we shall regard it as a Divine display of power as familiar to us as creation and Providence now are. (2) Will resurrection be a greater wonder than creation? To create out of nothing is quite as marvellous as to call together scattered particles and refashion them. (3) Christ rose again and He is the cause of your resurrection, the type of it, the foretaste of it, the guarantee of it. (4) Remember also, that you who are Christians have already experienced as great a work as the resurrection, for you have risen from the dead as to your innermost nature. III. OUR RELATION TO THIS TRUTH 1. Comfort one another with these words. You have lost those dear to you. Sorrow ye must, but sorrow not as those that are without hope. 2. Let us cheer our hearts in prospect of our own departure. 3. Expecting a blessed resurrection, let us respect our bodies. Bodies that are to dwell forever in heaven, should not be subjected to pollution here below. 4. The ungodly are to rise again, but it will be to a resurrection of woe. "Fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Acts 26:1-8 Incredible? By M.R. De Haan Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead. —Acts 26:8 If Jesus did not rise from the dead and there is no future day of resurrection for us, then life loses all its meaning. If this life is all there is—just a few years of alternate crying and laughing (mostly crying) and then darkness—with Paul we can say, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor. 15:19). Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign. —Lowry Only a living Savior could rescue a dying world. Acts 26:9 "So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Amplified - I myself indeed was [once] persuaded that it was my duty to do many things contrary to and in defiance of the name of Jesus of Nazareth. NET Acts 26:9 Of course, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. GNT Acts 26:9 ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν ἔδοξα ἐμαυτῷ πρὸς τὸ ὄνομα Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου δεῖν πολλὰ ἐναντία πρᾶξαι, NLT Acts 26:9 "I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. KJV Acts 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. ESV Acts 26:9 "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. CSB Acts 26:9 In fact, I myself supposed it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. NIV Acts 26:9 "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. NKJ Acts 26:9 "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. NRS Acts 26:9 "Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. YLT Acts 26:9 'I, indeed, therefore, thought with myself, that against the name of Jesus of Nazareth it behoved me many things to do, NAB Acts 26:9 I myself once thought that I had to do many things against the name of Jesus the Nazorean, NJB Acts 26:9 'As for me, I once thought it was my duty to use every means to oppose the name of Jesus the Nazarene. GWN Acts 26:9 "I used to think that I had to do a lot of things to oppose the one named Jesus of Nazareth. BBE Acts 26:9 For I, truly, was of the opinion that it was right for me to do a number of things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. I thought to myself that Jn 16:2, 3. Ro. 10:2. Gal 1:13, 14. Phil 3:6. 1 Ti. 1:13. hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth Acts 3:6; Acts 9:16; Acts 21:13; Acts 22:8; Acts 24:5. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Paul Presents His Testimony to Agrippa - Acts 26:1-21 Acts 26:1-3 His Congeniality Acts 26:4-5 His Character Acts 26:6-8 His Confidence Acts 26:9-11 His Cruelty Acts 26:12-15 His Conversion Acts 26:16-18 His Commission Acts 26:19-21 His Compliance PAUL'S HOSTILITY TOWARD JESUS OF NAZARETH So then - This phrase resumes Paul's discussion about his past life. I thought to myself - Self-deception. Paul thought he was right, but he was wrong. As
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Spurgeon - For Paul was the kind of man who, if he thought he ought to do anything, he always did it. Even in his unregenerate state, his conscience, unenlightened as it was, swayed him; but now, with an enlightened conscience, he looked back upon that part of his life with deep regret, and he did not fail to acknowledge and mourn the wrong that he had ignorantly done to the Lord Jesus Christ and his faithful followers. Sincerity Misguided - H. W. Beecher I truly thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.… It is often said it is no matter what a man believes if he is only sincere. This is true of all minor truths, and false of all truths whose nature it is to fashion a man's life. It will make no difference in a man's harvest whether he think turnips have more saccharine matter than potatoes, whether corn is better than wheat. But let the man sincerely believe that seed planted without plowing is as good as with, that January is as favorable for seed sowing as April, and that cockle seed will produce as good a harvest as wheat, and will it make no difference? A child might as well think he could reverse that ponderous marine engine which night and day, in calm and storm, plows its way across the deep, by sincerely taking hold of the paddle wheel, as a man might think he could reverse the action of the elements of God's moral government through a misguided sincerity. They will roll over such a one, and whelm him in endless ruin. What’s Your Story? Read: Acts 26:9-18 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. —Acts 16:31 Years ago, in a personal evangelism course I taught, I asked the students to write out their story of how they came to faith in Christ. It struck me how different each journey was. Some were saved out of a life of drugs and immorality. Others were church attenders who came to Christ after years of biblical instruction. Conversions vary. The apostle Paul had a crisis encounter with the Savior that turned him from a persecutor into a preacher of the gospel (Acts 26). In contrast, Timothy was quietly nurtured in the Scriptures from early childhood, resulting in his salvation experience (2 Tim. 3:14-15). No two faith journeys are identical. But each has the common element of turning to the Lord Jesus in faith to be saved from sin and to receive a new heart. We once were held by Satan’s chains, Imprisoned by our sin; Then Jesus Christ delivered us And made us new within. —Sper We need more than a new start—we need a new heart! No Need for Dead Reckoning - Selwyn Lewis In fact, I myself supposed it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.—ACTS 26:9 The place where we can see life as a whole is in the sanctuary of God, or, if you prefer, in the presence of God. There we are reminded of things we have forgotten or ignored. See how the Good News Bible translates Acts 26:9: "I myself thought that I should do everything I could against the cause of Jesus of Nazareth." Here you see the root of Paul's problem: "I myself thought." And is not that the underlying cause of many of our problems too? We say, "I myself thought ..." instead of asking: "What does God think?" Sometimes sailors will attempt to establish the position of their ships by estimating the distance and direction they have traveled, rather than by astronomical observation. This is called "dead reckoning." It is sometimes necessary in foul weather, but it is fraught with peril. One mariner has said: "Undue trust in the dead reckoning has produced more disastrous shipwrecks of seaworthy ships than all other causes put together." There are people who attempt the voyage of life by dead reckoning, but there is no need. God has charted the map for us with loving care in the Scriptures, and our plain duty is to study the chart so that we might become better acquainted with His purposes and His ways. For the better we know the Scriptures, the better we will know God. We cannot ignore the facts of history or science—they help—but if our perspective is not drawn from the Scriptures it will lead us astray. We must not rely on dead reckoning but on divine reckoning. Acts 26:10 "And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. BGT Acts 26:10 ὃ καὶ ἐποίησα ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις, καὶ πολλούς τε τῶν ἁγίων ἐγὼ ἐν φυλακαῖς κατέκλεισα τὴν παρὰ τῶν ἀρχιερέων ἐξουσίαν λαβὼν ἀναιρουμένων τε αὐτῶν κατήνεγκα ψῆφον. NET Acts 26:10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem: Not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons by the authority I received from the chief priests, but I also cast my vote against them when they were sentenced to death. GNT Acts 26:10 ὃ καὶ ἐποίησα ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις, καὶ πολλούς τε τῶν ἁγίων ἐγὼ ἐν φυλακαῖς κατέκλεισα τὴν παρὰ τῶν ἀρχιερέων ἐξουσίαν λαβὼν ἀναιρουμένων τε αὐτῶν κατήνεγκα ψῆφον. NLT Acts 26:10 Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. KJV Acts 26:10 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. ESV Acts 26:10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. CSB Acts 26:10 I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. NIV Acts 26:10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. NKJ Acts 26:10 "This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. NRS Acts 26:10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. YLT Acts 26:10 which also I did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I in prison did shut up, from the chief priests having received the authority; they also being put to death, I gave my vote against them, NAB Acts 26:10 and I did so in Jerusalem. I imprisoned many of the holy ones with the authorization I received from the chief priests, and when they were to be put to death I cast my vote against them. NJB Acts 26:10 This I did in Jerusalem; I myself threw many of God's holy people into prison, acting on authority from the chief priests, and when they were being sentenced to death I cast my vote against them. GWN Acts 26:10 That is what I did in Jerusalem. By the authority I received from the chief priests, I locked many Christians in prison. I voted to have them killed every time a vote was taken. BBE Acts 26:10 And this I did in Jerusalem: and numbers of the saints I put in prison, having had authority given to me from the chief priests, and when they were put to death, I gave my decision against them. And this is just what I did in Jerusalem. Acts 7:58; 8:1, 3; 9:13, 26; 22:4, 19, 20. 1 Co. 15:9. Gal 1:13. not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons. Acts 9:32, 41. Ps 16:3. Ro. 15:25, 26. Ep. 1:1. Rev 17:6. having received authority from the chief priests. Acts 9:14, 21; 22:5. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Paul Presents His Testimony to Agrippa - Acts 26:1-21 Acts 26:1-3 His Congeniality Acts 26:4-5 His Character Acts 26:6-8 His Confidence Acts 26:9-11 His Cruelty Acts 26:12-15 His Conversion Acts 26:16-18 His Commission Acts 26:19-21 His Compliance SAUL CAST THE BLACK PEBBLE AGAINST CHRISTIANS And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons - The word for lock up (only here and Lk 3:20) is katakleio which means to shut down like a trap door, to shut up in prison, to confine (in Lxx Jer 39:3). Louw-Nida says it means "to cause a person to be consigned to prison." Earlier Luke had recorded that after Stephen's martyrdom "Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison." (Acts 8:3+) Paul had a reputation in Jerusalem for being a persecutor of Christians But Ananias answered (context Acts 9:11,12+), “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; (Acts 9:13+) When he (Saul) came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.(Acts 9:26+) In his letter to the Galatians Paul wrote "you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it." (Galatians 1:13+) Saints (40)(hagios) means the set apart ones, separated ones, sanctified ones, holy ones) is literally a holy one and depending on the context refers to whoever or whatever is set apart (sanctified) for a special purpose. These men and women Paul persecuted had been set apart (by the Spirit) from the world and to God, to serve Him and worship Him. Gilbrant - In the New Testament a saint is one who has turned his back on the world to follow Jesus. Having received authority from the chief priests - So much for the religious leadership. Of course one would not expect anything different from them because they were prime instigators in the murder of Jesus. And note that Paul a Pharisee was now cooperating with the Sadducees (chief priests were Sadducees). This recalls the old adage The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Having received - The chief priests (archiereus) were in collusion with Paul in these crimes against humanity and ultimately against Christ. Religious people are always some of the most vicious persecutors of those who adhere to Biblical Christianity and belief in Christ. Authority (1849) (exousia from éxesti = it is permitted, it is lawful meaning liberty of action) refers to delegated authority and combines the idea of the "right and the might", these attributes having been granted to Saul by the Jewish religious leaders. But also when they were being put to death (anaireo in present tense) - Talk about count the cost! (cf Mk 8:34-36). This would may superficial professions of faith almost non-existent! We see this is many "closed" countries where confession of faith will cost you your life! I cast my vote against them - Some have proposed that Paul's statement that he cast his vote against them suggests he was a member of the Sanhedrin but most commentaries do not favor that interpretation.
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Spurgeon - He had the courage of his convictions. Believing a thing, he did not let it lie idle. He regarded the Christians as a pestilent sect, and, therefore, he hunted them down. He abhorred the name of Jesus of Nazareth as that of an imposter, and, therefore, he determined that no stone should be left unturned to overthrow his power. (Ed: In fact he cast his "stone" against the saints!) How many Christians were actually put to death during the time Paul was persecuting Christians? Paul may simply be generalizing here based on his involvement in the death of Stephen, but there could have been other Christians who suffered this fate. However on the other hand recall that the Jews did not have permission to execute Christians, so the stoning of Stephen was illegal in Roman eyes. Acts 26:11 "And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. Amplified - And frequently I punished them in all the synagogues to make them blaspheme; and in my bitter fury against them, I harassed (troubled, molested, persecuted) and pursued them even to foreign cities. NET Acts 26:11 I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to force them to blaspheme. Because I was so furiously enraged at them, I went to persecute them even in foreign cities. GNT Acts 26:11 καὶ κατὰ πάσας τὰς συναγωγὰς πολλάκις τιμωρῶν αὐτοὺς ἠνάγκαζον βλασφημεῖν περισσῶς τε ἐμμαινόμενος αὐτοῖς ἐδίωκον ἕως καὶ εἰς τὰς ἔξω πόλεις. NLT Acts 26:11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities. KJV Acts 26:11 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. ESV Acts 26:11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. CSB Acts 26:11 In all the synagogues I often tried to make them blaspheme by punishing them. I even pursued them to foreign cities since I was greatly enraged at them. NIV Acts 26:11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. NKJ Acts 26:11 "And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. NRS Acts 26:11 By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities. YLT Acts 26:11 and in every synagogue, often punishing them, I was constraining them to speak evil, being also exceedingly mad against them, I was also persecuting them even unto strange cities. NAB Acts 26:11 Many times, in synagogue after synagogue, I punished them in an attempt to force them to blaspheme; I was so enraged against them that I pursued them even to foreign cities. NJB Acts 26:11 I often went round the synagogues inflicting penalties, trying in this way to force them to renounce their faith; my fury against them was so extreme that I even pursued them into foreign cities. GWN Acts 26:11 I even went to each synagogue, punished believers, and forced them to curse the name of Jesus. In my furious rage against them, I hunted them down in cities outside Jerusalem. BBE Acts 26:11 And I gave them punishment frequently, in all the Synagogues, forcing them to say things against God; and burning with passion against them, I went after them even into far-away towns. I punished. Acts 22:19. Mt 10:17. Mk 13:9. Lu. 21:12. force them to blaspheme Acts 13:45; 18:6. Mk 3:28. Heb 10:28, 29. James 2:7. being furiously enraged . Acts 26:24, 25. Eccl 9:3. Lu. 6:11; 15:17. 2 Pe. 2:16. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries Paul Presents His Testimony to Agrippa - Acts 26:1-21 Acts 26:1-3 His Congeniality Acts 26:4-5 His Character Acts 26:6-8 His Confidence Acts 26:9-11 His Cruelty Acts 26:12-15 His Conversion Acts 26:16-18 His Commission Acts 26:19-21 His Compliance PAUL CONCLUDES HIS "BEFORE CHRIST" TESTIMONY Arnold - Paul told Agrippa about his sincerity for the Jewish religion by his willingness to treat the Christians with cruelty, persecuting them by imprisonment and death. Paul was a true Jewish believer but he made the mistake of persecuting Christians in the name of God, for he only realized later that Christianity was the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. Spurgeon - Paul was a whole-hearted man; whatever he did, he did intensely; so that, when he did wrong, he did it with a kind of madness. Such a furious hatred of Jesus of Nazareth was upon him that all Judaea was not large enough for the indulgence of his persecuting malice against the saints, so he “persecuted them even unto strange cities.” And as I punished them often in all the synagogues - It is notable that at this early stage of Christianity, the Jewish believers were still attempting to worship in the Synagogues. This was a time of transition but persecution such as from Paul would expedite the Jewish Christians pulling away from their Synagogues. Punished (5097)(timoreo from timoros = watching one's honor) To the early Greeks this word could mean “to help,” to redress an injury, or to avenge or punish a wrong.
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Spurgeon - He was like a stubborn ox kicking against the goads; and the harder he kicked, the more the sharp points of the goads pricked him. William Larkin has an interesting thought on the meaning of Paul's kicking against the goads - Did Ecclesiastes 12:11, "The words of the wise are like goads," come to his mind? To change the metaphor, the word of the Lord had kept growing and spreading like wildfire, especially in the time of persecution (Acts 8:3-4). Those who tried to stamp it out simply sent more sparks into the wind to ignite hearts in many more places. Paul learned, as does anyone who consistently says no to the faith, that it takes work to resist the truth of the gospel and the life of the Spirit. (Ibid) Paul Apple - Application: When people offer resistance to our presentation of the gospel and treat us harshly because of our identification with Christ, they ultimately are persecuting Christ Himself. We should not take it personally but count it joy to fellowship in the sufferings of Christ. Resources on covenant: Lesson 2 Covenant: The Exchange of Robes Lesson 3 Covenant: The Exchange of Armor and Belts Lesson 4 Covenant: Solemn and Binding Lesson 5 Covenant: A Walk Into Death Lesson 6 Covenant: The Oneness of Covenant Covenant: Oneness Notes Lesson 7 Covenant: Withholding Nothing from God Christ and Paul - C. H. Spurgeon. Acts 26:12-18 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,… I. THE QUESTION. 1. It was personal. When I preach to you, I am obliged to address you all in the mass. But not so our Master. If He had spoken in general terms, it would have glanced off from the heart of the apostle; but when it came personally — "Why persecutest thou Me?" — there was no getting off it. I pray the Lord to make the question personal to some of you. There be many of us here present who have bad personal preaching to our souls. Do you not remember, dear brother in Christ, when you were first pricked in the heart, how personal the preacher was? I remember it well. It seemed to me that I was the only person in the whole place, as if a black wall were round about me, and I were shut in with the preacher, something like the prisoners at the Penitentiary, who each sit in their box and can see no one but the chaplain. I thought all he said was meant for me; I felt persuaded that someone knew my character, and had written to him and told him all, and that he had personally picked me out. Why, I thought he fixed his eyes on me; and I have reason to believe he did, but still he said he knew nothing about my ease. Oh, that men would hear the Word preached, and that God would so bless them in their hearing, that they might feel it to have a personal application to their own hearts. 2. It contained some information as to the persecuted one. If you had asked Saul who it was he persecuted, he would have said, "Some poor fishermen, that had been setting up an impostor." But see in what a different light Jesus Christ puts it. He does not say, "Why didst thou persecute Stephen?" but "Me?" Inasmuch as you have done this unto one of the least of My brethren, you have done it unto Me. 3. It demanded an answer. "What have I done to hurt thee? Why art thou so provoked against Me?" II. THE EXPOSTULATION. "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." For — 1. You do not really accomplish your purpose. When the ox kicks against the goad, it is to spite the husbandman for having goaded him onward; but instead of hurting the husbandman it hurts itself. If thou thinkest, O man, that thou canst stop the progress of Christ's Church, go thou and first bid the universe stand still! Go, stand by the winds, and bid them cease their wailing, or bid the roaring sea roll back when its tide is marching on the beach; and when thou hast stopped the universe, then come forth and stop the omnipotent progress of the Church of Christ. "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh," etc. But put it as a personal matter, have you ever succeeded in stopping the work of grace in the heart of anyone? Aye, young man, you may laugh at your own shop mate, but he will beat you in the long run. If Christians are but faithful, they must win the day. It is no use your kicking against them; you cannot hurt them. 2. You get no good by it. Kick as he might, the ox was never benefited by it. Suppose you say you don't like religion, what have you ever got by hating it? You have got those red eyes sometimes on the Monday morning, after the drunkenness of the Sunday night. You have got that shattered constitution, which, even if you had now turned it to the paths of virtue, must hang about you till you leave it in your grave. But you are moral. Well, have you ever got anything even then by opposing Christ? Has it made your family any the happier? Has it made you any the happier yourself? Will it quiet your conscience when you come to die that you did your best to destroy the souls of other people? 3. But kick as the ox might, it had to go forward at last. If anyone had told Saul when he was going to Damascus, that he would one day become a preacher of Christianity, he would, no doubt, have laughed at it as nonsense; but the Lord had the key of his will, and He wound it up as He pleased. "Then why persecutest thou Me"? Perhaps you are despising the very Saviour you will one day love; trying to knock down the very thing that you wilt one day try to build up. Mayhap you are persecuting the men you will call your brothers and sisters. It is always well for a man not to go so far that he cannot go back respectably. III. THE GOOD NEWS. Paul, who persecuted Christ, was forgiven. He says he was the very chief of sinners, but he obtained mercy. Nay, more, he obtained honour. He was made an honoured minister of Christ, and so may you. What Does it mean to kick against the goads? - “It is hard for you to kick against the pricks” was a Greek proverb, but it was also familiar to the Jews and anyone who made a living in agriculture. An ox goad was a stick with a pointed piece of iron on its tip used to prod the oxen when plowing. The farmer would prick the animal to steer it in the right direction. Sometimes the animal would rebel by kicking out at the prick, and this would result in the prick being driven even further into its flesh. In essence, the more an ox rebelled, the more it suffered. Thus, Jesus’ words to Saul on the road to Damascus: “It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.” Of the better-known Bible translations, the actual phrase “kick against the pricks” is found only in the King James Version. It is mentioned only twice, in Acts 9:5 and Acts 26:14. The apostle Paul (then known as Saul) was on his way to Damascus to persecute the Christians when he had a blinding encounter with Jesus. Luke records the event: “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” (Acts 26:14 KJV). Modern translations have changed the word pricks to goads. All translations except the KJV and NKJV, omit the phrase altogether from Acts 9:5. The conversion of Saul is quite significant as it was the turning point in his life. Paul later wrote nearly half of the books of the New Testament. Jesus took control of Paul and let him know his rebellion against God was a losing battle. Paul’s actions were as senseless as an ox kicking “against the goads.” Paul had passion and sincerity in his fight against Christianity, but he was not heading in the direction God wanted him to go. Jesus was going to goad (“direct” or “steer”) Paul in the right direction. There is a powerful lesson in the ancient Greek proverb. We, too, find it hard to kick against the goads. Solomon wrote, “Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path” (Proverbs 15:10). When we choose to disobey God, we become like the rebellious ox—driving the goad deeper and deeper. “The way of the unfaithful is hard” (Proverbs 13:15). How much better to heed God’s voice, to listen to the pangs of conscience! By resisting God’s authority we are only punishing ourselves.(Gotquestions) Oswald Chambers - But it is hardly credible that one could so persecute Jesus! Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? Acts 26:14. Am I set on my own way for God? We are never free from this snare until we are brought into the experience of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. Obstinacy and self-will will always stab Jesus Christ. It may hurt no one else, but it wounds His Spirit. Whenever we are obstinate and self-willed and set upon our own ambitions, we are hurting Jesus. Every time we stand on our rights and insist that this is what we intend to do, we are persecuting Jesus. Whenever we stand on our dignity we systematically vex and grieve His Spirit; and when the knowledge comes home that it is Jesus Whom we have been persecuting all the time, it is the most crushing revelation there could be. Is the word of God tremendously keen to me as I hand it on to you, or does my life give the lie to the things I profess to teach? I may teach sanctification and yet exhibit the spirit of Satan, the spirit that persecutes Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Jesus is conscious of one thing only—a perfect oneness with the Father, and He says “Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.” All I do ought to be founded on a perfect oneness with Him, not on a self-willed determination to be godly. This will mean that I can be easily put upon, easily over-reached, easily ignored; but if I submit to it for His sake, I prevent Jesus Christ being persecuted. Acts 26:15 "And I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. GNT Acts 26:15 ἐγὼ δὲ εἶπα, Τίς εἶ, κύριε; ὁ δὲ κύριος εἶπεν, Ἐγώ εἰμι Ἰησοῦς ὃν σὺ διώκεις. NLT Acts 26:15 " 'Who are you, lord?' I asked."And the Lord replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. KJV Acts 26:15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. ESV Acts 26:15 And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. CSB Acts 26:15 "Then I said, 'Who are You, Lord? ' "And the Lord replied: 'I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting. NIV Acts 26:15 "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' " 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. NKJ Acts 26:15 "So I said,`Who are You, Lord?' And He said,`I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. NRS Acts 26:15 I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' The Lord answered, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. YLT Acts 26:15 'And I said, Who art thou, Lord? and he said, I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute; NAB Acts 26:15 And I said, 'Who are you, sir?' And the Lord replied, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. NJB Acts 26:15 Then I said, "Who are you, Lord?" And the Lord answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. GWN Acts 26:15 "I asked, 'Who are you, sir?' "The Lord answered, 'I am Jesus, the one you're persecuting. BBE Acts 26:15 And I said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are attacking. I am. Ex. 16:8. Mt 25:40, 45. Jn 15:20, 21. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries JESUS' REVEALED HIMSELF AND REPEATS THE REBUKE And I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' - Paul would not know until it had been revealed to him. Spiritual truth must be spiritually revealed. THOUGHT - "Who are You, Lord?" would be a good question for every person ever born to sincerely ask of Jesus? It resulted in the salvation of Saul who was miraculously transformed from Saul the greatest persecutor of Christ to Paul the greatest proclaimer of Christ. Have you ever really asked "Who are you Lord?" And the Lord said, 'I am (ego eimi) Jesus Whom you are persecuting - Don't miss the fact that Jesus' speaking to Saul is confirmation of the fact that He had been resurrected from the dead. Jesus was speaking, so clearly He was alive! And do you see what Paul is doing with his Jewish audience, most of whom knew about the crucifixion and perhaps a number had even been present on that fateful day? He is making sure that his Jewish audience knows that this Man that died on a Cross in Jerusalem is alive! In short he has just preached what MacArthur calls the "shortest sermon in the NT on the resurrection!" One can only imagine what was going through the thoughts of the Jews as they heard these words. For just a moment put yourself in Saul's sandals and imagine you thoughts as you hear that the One you have been persecuting is the risen God! Yes, Saul had been struck by a bright light, but this revelation coming from Jesus in that light would have been like a "lightning bolt" or like a "dagger" cutting into Saul's heart! In a moment, you discover that all you have devoted your life to accomplish has been a total waste! Beloved, there are many successful, wealthy people who will one day have a similar experience, but sadly it will be too late for most because their discovery will come after they take their last breath! However, this principle applies to believers also -- Stop and ask yourself - What am I working for? For time or for eternity? For the earthly or the heavenly? For the material or the spiritual? For the profane or the profound? For what passes away or what lasts always? Perhaps you need a "Damascus Road Revival," so that you might realign your life priorities while you still have time! Don't be a "Saul," instead be "Paul!" Notice that Christ uses His earthly name Jesus which the angelic messenger had given to Joseph, Matthew recording “She (MARY) will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (NOTICE HOW THIS LAST CLAUSE EXPLAINS THE MEANING OF HIS NAME!).” (Mt 1:21) Jesus was the Name that spoke of Christ's willing humiliation in emptying Himself to become a Man (Php 2:5-10+). "He would show that now that He is in His glory He is not ashamed of His humiliation." (Matthew Henry) THOUGHT - "There is nothing more effectual to awaken and humble the soul than to see sin to be against Christ, an affront to Him, and a contradiction to His designs." (Henry) Do you really comprehend that your sins are against God the Father, His Son and His Spirit (cp Eph 4:30+)? (cf Joseph's sensitive conscience in Ge 39:9) Longenecker - Saul could not escape the fact that the Jesus whose followers he had been persecuting was alive, exalted, and in some manner to be associated with God the Father, whom Israel worshiped. He, therefore, had to revise his whole estimate of the life, teaching, and death of the Nazarene because God had beyond any question vindicated him. Thus he came to agree with the Christians that Jesus’ death on the cross, rather than discrediting him as an impostor, fulfilled prophecy and was really God’s provision for man’s sin and that Jesus’ resurrection confirmed him as being the nation’s Messiah and mankind’s Lord. (Expositor's Bible Commentary) Jesus (2424)(Iesous) is transliteration of the Greek Iesous, which in turn is the transliteration of the Hebrew Jehoshua (Yehoshua) or Jeshua (Yeshua) both of which mean Jehovah is help or Jehovah is salvation. Stated another way the Greek Iesous corresponds to the OT Jehoshua (Yehoshua) which is contracted as Jeshua (Yeshua). In the Gospels the single Name Jesus (Iesous) is used as His personal Name some 538 times. Imagine Saul's thoughts upon hearing those words "I am Jesus!" While we have no record that Saul ever saw or met Jesus during Jesus' earthly ministry, there is not doubt that he was well aware of the claim by His disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. Now the fact that He is speaking to Saul indicates that Jesus was indeed alive and by implication had risen from the dead. Saul's systematic theology was turned upside down in a moment! However, one aspect of his theology was affirmed and that was his belief (which all Pharisees held) that there would be a resurrection! Jesus was alive! Jack Arnold - Christ invaded Paul's life when he was not seeking Christ at all. The resurrected Christ supernaturally saved Paul, and this obviously explained to Agrippa why his behavior had changed so drastically and why he was so deeply committed to Jesus Christ. Paul could not get away from giving his testimony concerning his conversion to Christ. His testimony was given three times in the Book of Acts alone. He loved to tell about how Christ changed him from a religious, narrow-minded, bigoted Pharisee to a committed, warm-hearted and open Christian. Christ changed Paul's whole nature. The Bible says, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots” (Jer. 13:23)? The answer is “no,” but God has the power to change these things. God can al so change the nature of sinful men by conversion so as to make them new creatures in Christ with new desires for God. Only a supernatural conversion can turn a person around spiritually and that is exactly what happened to Paul. (Sermon) Jesus had alluded to the oneness between Jesus and His followers in Luke declaring “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16+) Paul clearly understood this concept of oneness between Jesus and His followers as indicated by his numerous allusions to unity with Christ in his epistles. Read Ro. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4-16; 5:23-30; Col. 1:18-24; 2:19). THOUGHT - You can mark it down that those who speak against Christians speak against Christ. Those who strike Christians strike Christ. Those who malign Christians malign Christ. Those who take advantage of Christians take advantage of Christ. This begs the question, even if you are a believer, have you ever done any of those things to another believer? Woe! Persecuting (1377)(dioko) in the present tense describes Saul's continual ravaging of the disciples of Jesus and so continually persecuting Jesus! Dioko in Acts - Acts 7:52; Acts 9:4; Acts 9:5; Acts 22:4; Acts 22:7; Acts 22:8; Acts 26:11; Acts 26:14; Acts 26:15 Paul later reiterated that before he was in Christ he was "the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted (dioko) the church of God." (1 Cor 15:9+) Comment: Watch Paul's "downward" progression = as Christ increases, he decreases (Jn 3:30+) - 1Co 15:9 [~55AD], Ep 3:8 [~61AD] and 1Ti 1:15 [~63-66AD]): What a supernatural transformation the Gospel and the Spirit wrought who would later write to the saints in Rome... "So then we pursue (dioko present tense) the things which make for peace and the building up of one another." (Ro 14:19+). About face! The very one who sought to tear down the Body of Christ, now sought to build up the Body of Christ! What an illustration of genuine repentance! This reminds me of the military command "About face!" Paul just heard his Commander's order "About face Paul!" The command "About Face" describes the act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation (see diagram above). Another English definition says "about face" is "a reversal of direction, of attitude, behavior, or point of view." This is a good picture of the repentance that Jesus commands. In the opening of the Gospel of Mark John calls for repentance in Mk 1:4+ and Jesus continues the call to repentance in Mark 1:15+. Repentance is to leave The sins we loved before, And show that we in earnest grieve, By doing so no more. Again Paul used dioko in this positive sense in his letter to the Philippians testifying Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on (dioko in present tense = his daily practice, enabled by the Spirit) so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus....14 I press on (dioko in present tense) toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.Paul's pursuit in Php 3:12, 14+)! The righteous God pursued the unrighteous pursuer and won him with the Gospel. O, thank God for the transforming power of the glorious Gospel! A T