Acts 26:12–23
That the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles. – Acts 26:23
Click to read passage
The process by which Saul the Pharisee became the apostle Paul is one of the most pivotal events in the history of the early church. That is why it is recounted three times in the book of Acts (9:3-22; 22:3-16; 26:9-18). Each time the apostle Paul gave his testimony, it was to bring people to the Lord. The account of Paul’s conversion is a testimony of a life completely turned around by the resurrected Christ.
In today’s passage, Paul stands before King Agrippa as a prisoner. He is not defending himself. He is testifying about the Redeemer who brought him out of darkness into light, so that all who hear might receive the same light of life that he received.
Paul recounts that he was on the road to Damascus, going there to arrest and persecute believers in Jesus, believing he was zealously serving God. Suddenly he was surrounded by a light from heaven brighter than the sun, and he heard the voice of the risen Lord Jesus speaking to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 26:12-15).
In that moment, his physical eyes went blind, but the eyes of his heart were opened. He saw that what he had thought was zeal for the traditions of his ancestors and for God’s law was, in fact, resistance against the Messiah God had sent and persecution of His church. In the light of God, he also saw that religious zeal, moral discipline, and the strict practice of the Pharisees could not save him. Only an encounter with the risen Jesus could bring salvation.
Today we too may be living in various kinds of spiritual blindness. We may have been born into a Christian family, heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, grown up in a Christian school, and known about Christmas and Good Friday. We may know that Jesus is a great Saviour who loves everyone in the world. We may even be able to talk about faith, attend gatherings, or serve. But if we have not truly received Jesus Christ as the Saviour of our lives, turning head knowledge into real action, then the salvation of Jesus Christ still has no bearing on us.
Paul’s encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus became the message he proclaimed for the rest of his life, because what he received from the Lord was a Saviour who would rescue him from every bondage, and who not only saved him but also sent him to proclaim the gospel that saves. The Lord Jesus promised him “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18). This is the precious promise of the Lord Jesus, not only delivering people from the power of darkness but also giving them an inheritance in heaven.
Reflection:
Paul did not hide his past of persecuting the church. Instead, he testified how the Lord saved him by grace and sent him out. When I share the gospel with others, am I willing to honestly admit that I too was once held captive by sin, self-righteousness, or spiritual blindness? And am I willing to share how my life has been changed under the light of the Lord’s word?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, help me to always remember the grace I have received, so that when I proclaim the gospel to others, I will not run from my own unworthy past. Whatever I have become today is entirely because of the redemption of the Lord Jesus. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for choosing me from among all peoples. Help me to live always a life worthy of repentance, so that others may see the light of Christ in us and give glory to Your name. In the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!
Click to read passage
The process by which Saul the Pharisee became the apostle Paul is one of the most pivotal events in the history of the early church. That is why it is recounted three times in the book of Acts (9:3-22; 22:3-16; 26:9-18). Each time the apostle Paul gave his testimony, it was to bring people to the Lord. The account of Paul’s conversion is a testimony of a life completely turned around by the resurrected Christ.
In today’s passage, Paul stands before King Agrippa as a prisoner. He is not defending himself. He is testifying about the Redeemer who brought him out of darkness into light, so that all who hear might receive the same light of life that he received.
Paul recounts that he was on the road to Damascus, going there to arrest and persecute believers in Jesus, believing he was zealously serving God. Suddenly he was surrounded by a light from heaven brighter than the sun, and he heard the voice of the risen Lord Jesus speaking to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 26:12-15).
In that moment, his physical eyes went blind, but the eyes of his heart were opened. He saw that what he had thought was zeal for the traditions of his ancestors and for God’s law was, in fact, resistance against the Messiah God had sent and persecution of His church. In the light of God, he also saw that religious zeal, moral discipline, and the strict practice of the Pharisees could not save him. Only an encounter with the risen Jesus could bring salvation.
Today we too may be living in various kinds of spiritual blindness. We may have been born into a Christian family, heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, grown up in a Christian school, and known about Christmas and Good Friday. We may know that Jesus is a great Saviour who loves everyone in the world. We may even be able to talk about faith, attend gatherings, or serve. But if we have not truly received Jesus Christ as the Saviour of our lives, turning head knowledge into real action, then the salvation of Jesus Christ still has no bearing on us.
Paul’s encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus became the message he proclaimed for the rest of his life, because what he received from the Lord was a Saviour who would rescue him from every bondage, and who not only saved him but also sent him to proclaim the gospel that saves. The Lord Jesus promised him “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18). This is the precious promise of the Lord Jesus, not only delivering people from the power of darkness but also giving them an inheritance in heaven.
Reflection:
Paul did not hide his past of persecuting the church. Instead, he testified how the Lord saved him by grace and sent him out. When I share the gospel with others, am I willing to honestly admit that I too was once held captive by sin, self-righteousness, or spiritual blindness? And am I willing to share how my life has been changed under the light of the Lord’s word?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, help me to always remember the grace I have received, so that when I proclaim the gospel to others, I will not run from my own unworthy past. Whatever I have become today is entirely because of the redemption of the Lord Jesus. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for choosing me from among all peoples. Help me to live always a life worthy of repentance, so that others may see the light of Christ in us and give glory to Your name. In the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!