Acts 26:10

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

Which thing {G3739} I {G4160} also {G2532} did {G4160} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2414}: and {G2532} many {G4183} of the saints {G40} did {G2623} I {G1473} shut up {G2623} in prison {G5438}, having received {G2983} authority {G1849} from {G3844} the chief priests {G749}; and {G5037} when they {G846} were put to death {G337}, I gave {G2702} my voice {G5586} against them.

Complete Jewish Bible

and in Yerushalayim I did so. After receiving authority from the head cohanim, I myself threw many of God’s people in prison; when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

Berean Standard Bible

And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them.

American Standard Version

And this I also did in Jerusalem: and I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 26:10, the Apostle Paul, while defending himself before King Agrippa II, candidly recounts his zealous and active role in the persecution of early Christians in Jerusalem before his conversion. This verse lays bare the depth of his former opposition to "the Way," detailing how he imprisoned many believers and consented to their execution, all under the delegated authority of the chief priests, thereby underscoring the radical transformation wrought by his encounter with the risen Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Paul's third major defense speech recorded in Acts, delivered before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Festus in Caesarea. Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent appeals, Paul is given the opportunity to present his case. Chapters 25 and 26 detail this hearing, with Paul's testimony in chapter 26 serving as the climax. His recounting of his past, including his fervent persecution of Christians, is not an apology but a strategic part of his defense, designed to highlight the dramatic, divine intervention that transformed him from persecutor to apostle. It serves to explain the radical shift in his life and ministry, demonstrating that his current actions are a direct result of a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ, rather than any political or criminal motive. This personal narrative is crucial for understanding the authenticity and power of his conversion experience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's actions described in this verse occurred during the nascent stages of the Christian church, shortly after Jesus' ascension. Jerusalem was the epicenter of early Christian activity, and the Jewish religious establishment, particularly the Sanhedrin and its leaders (the "chief priests"), viewed "the Way" as a heretical sect threatening the purity of Judaism. Saul (Paul's former name) was a zealous Pharisee, deeply committed to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of his fathers. His persecution of Christians was not an act of personal malice but a religiously motivated effort to suppress what he perceived as blasphemy and apostasy. The authority he received from the chief priests would have been official warrants or letters, granting him permission to arrest and extradite believers, even from outside Judea, as seen in his journey to Damascus ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's mission to Damascus")). This period was marked by intense religious tension and persecution, serving as a crucible for the early church.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 26:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's broader theology. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Misguided Religious Zeal**, showing how sincere devotion, when not aligned with God's true will, can lead to severe harm and injustice, as Paul himself confesses his former actions were born of such zeal ([Philippians 3:6](/philippians/3-6 "Philippians 3:6 - Paul's former zeal for the law")). The verse also underscores the **Suffering of the Early Church** at the hands of its persecutors, highlighting the immense courage and faith required of the first believers. Most profoundly, it sets the stage for the theme of **Radical Transformation and Divine Grace**. By openly admitting the extent of his past atrocities, Paul magnifies the miraculous power of God's grace to convert and redeem even the most ardent opponent into a devoted servant, demonstrating that no past is too dark for God's redemptive work ([1 Timothy 1:13-16](/1_timothy/1-13-16 "1 Timothy 1:13-16 - Paul's testimony of God's mercy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **I (Greek, _egṓ'_):** This primary pronoun, used emphatically, highlights Paul's personal responsibility and active involvement in the persecution. By stating "I also did," Paul does not deflect blame but takes full ownership of his past actions, underscoring the profound personal transformation he experienced. It emphasizes that these were not actions he merely observed or passively supported, but deeds he personally executed.
* **authority (Greek, _exousía'_):** Derived from a word meaning "ability" or "privilege," _exousía_ here signifies delegated power, competency, and mastery. Paul explicitly states he "received authority from the chief priests," indicating that his actions were not rogue but sanctioned by the highest Jewish religious court. This detail is crucial, as it shows his persecution was systematic, institutional, and legally endorsed within the Jewish framework, lending a chilling legitimacy to his destructive efforts against the nascent Christian movement.
* **gave my voice (Greek, _kataphérō psēphos'_):** This phrase is highly significant. _Kataphérō_ means "to bear down" or "to cast a vote," and _psēphos_ refers to "a pebble" used as a ballot or a "verdict" or "vote." Combined, it literally means "I cast my vote against them." This implies more than mere verbal approval or passive assent; it suggests Paul's active participation in the judicial process that led to the condemnation and execution of Christians. It indicates he was directly involved in the decision-making that resulted in their deaths, possibly as a member of the Sanhedrin or a formal participant in their trials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which thing I also did in Jerusalem:":** Paul begins by affirming his direct involvement in the persecution, specifically locating his actions in the spiritual and political heart of Judaism, Jerusalem. This immediately establishes his personal culpability and the severity of his past.
* **"and many of the saints did I shut up in prison,":** This clause details Paul's method of persecution: the incarceration of numerous believers. The term "saints" (Greek: _hagios_, meaning "holy ones" or "consecrated ones") is a term Paul later frequently uses for Christians, creating a stark contrast between his former actions and his present identity. "Shut up in prison" (Greek: _katakleíō_) implies a forceful, deliberate act of confinement, highlighting the harshness of his methods.
* **"having received authority from the chief priests;":** This phrase provides the legal and religious backing for Paul's actions. His persecution was not arbitrary but was sanctioned by the highest religious authorities in Jerusalem, lending a formal, institutional weight to his efforts. This detail underscores the widespread opposition the early church faced from within Judaism.
* **"and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against [them].":** This is the most damning part of Paul's confession. He admits not only to imprisoning Christians but also to actively participating in the process that led to their deaths. As analyzed above, "gave my voice" indicates casting a vote for their condemnation, revealing his direct complicity in their martyrdom. This clause reveals the full extent of his zealous, violent opposition to the followers of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 26:10 employs several powerful literary devices. **Confession** is paramount, as Paul openly and unreservedly admits to his grave past actions, lending authenticity and weight to his testimony. This confession is immediately followed by a profound **Contrast**, setting up the dramatic shift from his former life as a persecutor to his current role as an apostle of Christ. The use of "saints" for those he persecuted is a subtle but potent **Irony**, as he now identifies with and champions the very group he once sought to destroy. Furthermore, the phrase "gave my voice against them" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "voice" stands in for "vote," signifying his direct and active participation in their judicial condemnation. This specific detail adds a layer of legal precision and personal responsibility to his account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:10 serves as a powerful theological anchor, illustrating the profound depths of human sin and the even greater expanse of divine grace. Paul's confession of persecuting "saints" and consenting to their deaths highlights the terrifying reality of misguided zeal and the potential for religious conviction to lead to grave injustice when not aligned with God's truth and love. Yet, it simultaneously magnifies God's transformative power, demonstrating that even the most ardent opponent of the gospel can be radically converted and used for His purposes. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God in calling and equipping individuals, regardless of their past, for His redemptive plan, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of His mercy and forgiveness. It also implicitly connects to the theme of suffering for Christ's sake, as those persecuted were faithful followers, enduring hardship for their allegiance to Jesus.

* [1 Timothy 1:13](/1_timothy/1-13 "1 Timothy 1:13 - Paul's former blasphemy and persecution")
* [Philippians 3:6](/philippians/3-6 "Philippians 3:6 - Paul's former zeal as a persecutor")
* [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's mission to Damascus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's raw and honest confession in Acts 26:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder of the danger of misguided zeal, urging us to constantly examine our convictions and actions through the lens of Christ's character and teachings. Sincere devotion, if untethered from truth and love, can lead to destructive outcomes, whether in personal relationships, church dynamics, or broader societal engagement. This verse also offers immense hope and encouragement, demonstrating God's boundless capacity for transformation. If God could redeem and repurpose the chief persecutor of His church, He can certainly transform any life, no matter how stained by past mistakes or sins. This should cultivate humility within us, recognizing our own capacity for error, and foster deep empathy for those who may oppose the gospel, remembering that they, too, may be acting out of conviction, awaiting their own encounter with the living Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's confession of his past actions challenge my understanding of religious zeal and its potential pitfalls?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage me about God's power to transform lives, including my own or those I deem "unreachable"?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Paul's willingness to openly acknowledge his darkest past, and how might this inform my own journey of repentance and humility?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "I gave my voice against them" in Acts 26:10?**

Answer: The phrase "I gave my voice against them" (Greek: _kataphérō psēphon_) is a significant legal and political idiom. It literally means "I cast my vote against them." In the context of ancient judicial proceedings, particularly within the Sanhedrin or similar Jewish councils, a "vote" was often cast by dropping a pebble (_psēphos_) into an urn. Therefore, Paul is not merely saying he verbally agreed or approved of the executions; he is confessing to active, direct participation in the judicial process that condemned Christians to death. This implies he was a formal member of a decision-making body (perhaps the Sanhedrin itself, or a court delegated by it) and personally voted for the execution of believers, including Stephen ([Acts 7:58](/acts/7-58 "Acts 7:58 - Saul's presence at Stephen's stoning")). This detail underscores the depth of his former opposition and personal culpability.

**Why does Paul emphasize his past persecution so strongly in his defense speeches?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes his past persecution for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it provides a stark **contrast** that magnifies the miraculous nature of his conversion. By detailing the extent of his former hostility, he demonstrates that only a divine intervention could have transformed him from the church's chief persecutor into its most fervent apostle. This validates his apostleship and the gospel message he preaches. Secondly, it serves as a powerful **testimony to God's grace and forgiveness**. If God could redeem and use someone with such a dark past, it offers hope to all. Thirdly, it helps to **explain his radical change in allegiance**. He wasn't simply changing his mind; he encountered the risen Christ, which fundamentally altered his life's direction. Finally, by openly confessing his past, Paul demonstrates **humility and authenticity**, disarming his accusers and lending credibility to his present claims, as seen throughout his defense in [Acts 26](/acts/26 "Acts 26 - Paul's defense before Agrippa").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:10, a stark confession of Paul's past as a persecutor, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Paul's radical transformation from one who "shut up in prison" and "gave his voice against" the saints to the preeminent apostle of Christ is a living testament to the **resurrection power of Jesus**. It demonstrates that the same Christ who conquered death can utterly transform the human heart, redeeming even the most zealous opponent into a devoted servant. This echoes the truth that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Secondly, the suffering of the "saints" at Paul's hands foreshadows the ongoing reality of **Christ's identification with His persecuted church**. When Jesus confronted Saul on the Damascus Road, He asked, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute *Me*?" ([Acts 9:4](/acts/9-4 "Acts 9:4 - Jesus' question to Saul")). This reveals that attacks on His followers are attacks on Christ Himself, affirming the profound union between Christ and His body, the church. Finally, Paul's confession of his former sin, leading to his profound humility and tireless service, points to the ultimate **redemptive work of Christ on the cross**. It is through Christ's sacrifice that forgiveness is offered for sins, even those as grievous as persecuting God's people, allowing Paul to declare himself the "foremost of sinners" yet a recipient of abundant grace ([1 Timothy 1:15-16](/1_timothy/1-15-16 "1 Timothy 1:15-16 - Christ Jesus came to save sinners")). Thus, Acts 26:10 is not just a historical account, but a powerful narrative illustrating Christ's transformative grace, His solidarity with His suffering people, and the boundless scope of His atoning work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 8:3

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.

Acts 9:21

But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Acts 9:13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Acts 9:14

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Acts 22:4

And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Acts 22:5

As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

1 Corinthians 15:9

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.