◄ Acts 26 Devotional Commentary ►
Acts 26:14
As a young man, Saul of Tarsus had been the greatest opponent of Christianity. He wholeheartedly approved of the violent stoning of Stephen and was so incensed by the new religion, which was quickly spreading throughout the land, that he determined to destroy it. He gained permission from the Jewish authorities to seize all who were following Jesus of Nazareth and throw them into prison. But the Lord met with him on the way and turned his life upside-down.
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Acts 26:15
The early days of Christianity were fraught with difficulty and danger. There was mounting opposition to all who followed Jesus of Nazareth and although persecution intensified, so too did the spread of the gospel and growth of the Church. Because of the mighty signs and wonders that were taking place in the holy city, the apostles became spiritually emboldened, and both religious and political leaders determined to stamp out this new religion.
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Acts 26:16
Three times, the book of Acts records Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. Chapter 9, details his journey to the city with an edict from the high priest authorising the arrest of all who followed Jesus. We read how Jesus met him on the road and challenged him saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And Paul replied, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, read more...
Acts 26:17
Saul of Tarsus thought he was an outstanding example of a man of God. He had confidence in his own abilities and was proud of his heritage. Before being saved by grace through faith in Christ, Paul was a devout Pharisee, who boasted of his moral standard and religiosity. He even considered he was superior to all others in piety and godly qualities.
This man was a Jew, who diligently followed all the Jewish customs and their read more...
Acts 26:18
In his defence at his trial before king Agrippa, Paul recounted his background as a zealous persecutor of Christians and related his wonderful conversion on the road to Damascus. He told of the light that was brighter than the noonday sun, and repeated the challenging words of the Lord Jesus, Who identified Himself as: Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.
Paul used this familiar read more...
Acts 26:18
Paul's appearance in the courtroom of king Agrippa, queen Bernice, and Festus, was to acquaint these dignitaries with the circumstances surrounding his arrest in Jerusalem. Paul's testimony was not a defence of himself or his conduct. It was an opportunity for him to proclaim the truth of the gospel before these noble people, for he was Christ's chosen instrument to bear His name: "Before Gentiles; kings and the sons of Israel."
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