Acts 26:16

KJV

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} rise {G450}, and {G2532} stand {G2476} upon {G1909} thy {G4675} feet {G4228}: for {G1063} I have appeared {G3700} unto thee {G4671} for {G1519} this purpose {G5124}, to make {G4400} thee {G4571} a minister {G5257} and {G2532} a witness {G3144} both {G5037} of these things which {G3739} thou hast seen {G1492}, and {G5037} of those things in the which {G3739} I will appear {G3700} unto thee {G4671};

Complete Jewish Bible

But get up, and stand on your feet! I have appeared to you to appoint you to serve and bear witness to what you have already seen of me, and to what you will see when I appear to you in the future.

Berean Standard Bible

‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you.

American Standard Version

But arise, and stand upon thy feet: for to this end have I appeared unto thee, to appoint thee a minister and a witness both of the things wherein thou hast seen me, and of the things wherein I will appear unto thee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:16 captures the pivotal moment of divine commissioning in the Apostle Paul's life, as recounted during his defense before King Agrippa II. This verse records the direct words of Jesus Christ, who appeared to Paul (then Saul) on the Damascus Road, revealing His sovereign purpose to transform a zealous persecutor into a chosen instrument: a minister and a witness. It outlines Paul's dual mandate to proclaim both what he had already witnessed of Christ's glory and resurrection, and what would be further revealed to him in ongoing divine encounters, thereby establishing the foundation for his unique apostolic ministry to the Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 26:16 is embedded within Paul's third and most detailed account of his conversion and call, presented as his defense before King Agrippa II, Festus, and other dignitaries in Caesarea. This speech (Acts 26:1-23) is a masterful blend of personal testimony, theological exposition, and apologetic reasoning. It follows Paul's initial defense before Festus (Acts 25:8-12) and Festus's decision to appeal to Caesar. Paul strategically uses his personal encounter with the risen Christ not only to explain his current predicament but also to validate his entire ministry. This narrative echoes and expands upon earlier accounts in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - Saul's Conversion on the Damascus Road") and [Acts 22:3-21](/acts/22-3-21 "Acts 22:3-21 - Paul's Defense Before the Jerusalem Crowd"), each tailored to its specific audience, with the Acts 26 account uniquely emphasizing the divine commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's appearance before Agrippa and Festus takes place in Caesarea, the Roman provincial capital of Judea. Agrippa II, a Jewish client king, was well-versed in Jewish law and customs, making him an ideal audience for Paul's defense, which hinged on Jewish prophecies and the resurrection. Festus, the Roman governor, represented Roman authority and was primarily concerned with maintaining order and understanding the charges against Paul, which he found perplexing. The setting itself, a formal Roman court with Jewish and Roman officials, underscores the clash between Jewish religious traditions, Roman legal systems, and the burgeoning Christian movement. Paul's testimony, particularly his claim of a resurrected Messiah, would have been deeply provocative to both Jewish leaders, who considered it blasphemy, and Roman officials, who might view it as a disruptive new cult.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Acts and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights the **sovereignty of God's call**, demonstrating that Paul's apostleship was not self-appointed but a direct, undeniable mandate from the resurrected Christ, as also seen in [Galatians 1:1](/galatians/1-1 "Galatians 1:1 - Paul, an Apostle by Christ"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **radical transformation**, showcasing God's ability to convert a zealous persecutor into His most ardent evangelist, a truth echoed in Paul's later reflections on his past life in [Philippians 3:4-11](/philippians/3-4-11 "Philippians 3:4-11 - Paul's Former Life and New Goal"). Thirdly, the verse defines the **nature of apostolic ministry** as both "minister" (servant) and "witness" (testifier), emphasizing both humble service and bold proclamation of the truth, aligning with the early church's mission outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Empowered to be Witnesses"). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **ongoing revelation**, indicating that Paul's ministry would be guided not only by his initial encounter but also by future divine appearances and insights.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _allá'_):** This particle, often translated as "but" or "nevertheless," serves as a strong adversative, marking a sharp contrast. Here, it signals a dramatic shift from Paul's previous state of blindness and persecution to the new, divinely ordained purpose Christ is about to reveal. It emphasizes the radical discontinuity between Saul the persecutor and Paul the apostle.
* **appeared (Greek, _optánomai'_):** This verb signifies a specific kind of seeing—to gaze with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable or awe-inspiring. Unlike a casual glance (βλέπω, _blepō_) or mere mechanical vision (εἴδω, _eidō_), _optánomai_ implies a profound, often supernatural, manifestation that demands attention and conveys significant meaning. Its use here underscores the undeniable, miraculous nature of Christ's appearance to Paul, which was not a subjective experience but an objective reality, foundational to Paul's apostleship.
* **minister (Greek, _hypērétēs'_):** Derived from _hypó_ (under) and a root meaning "to row," this term literally means an "under-oarsman" or "subordinate servant." It denotes someone who serves under the direction and authority of a superior, carrying out commands. In this context, it highlights Paul's role as Christ's bondservant, emphasizing his complete submission to the Lord's will and his function as an instrument in the divine plan, rather than an independent agent.
* **witness (Greek, _mártys'_):** This word refers to someone who testifies to facts, often based on personal observation or experience. From this term, we derive "martyr," indicating that such testimony might come at great personal cost, even death. For Paul, being a "witness" meant testifying to the undeniable reality of Christ's resurrection and the truths revealed to him, a testimony that would indeed lead to immense suffering and eventually, martyrdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But rise, and stand upon thy feet:"** This opening command from Jesus is both literal and symbolic. Paul had fallen to the ground, blinded and overwhelmed by the divine light. The command to "rise" and "stand upon thy feet" signifies a restoration of physical ability and a call to a posture of readiness and authority. It marks the end of his prostrate submission and the beginning of his active, empowered ministry.
* **"for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose,"** This clause provides the divine rationale for Christ's appearance. It was not a random event but a deliberate, purposeful manifestation. The phrase "for this purpose" (εἰς τοῦτο, _eis touto_) emphasizes the intentionality of God's sovereign plan for Paul's life, directly linking the appearance to the subsequent commission.
* **"to make thee a minister and a witness"** This is the core of Paul's commission, defining his dual role. As a "minister" (_hypērétēs_), Paul is to be a servant, carrying out Christ's will and serving His kingdom. As a "witness" (_mártys_), he is to bear testimony to the truth of Christ, based on his personal encounter and subsequent revelations. This dual identity encapsulates the essence of effective Christian service: humble obedience coupled with bold proclamation.
* **"both of these things which thou hast seen,"** This part of the commission refers to Paul's immediate, personal experience of the risen Christ on the Damascus Road. He had seen the blinding light, heard the voice, and understood the identity of the one speaking. This direct, undeniable encounter formed the primary basis of his initial testimony and the authoritative foundation for his apostleship, as he had "seen the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 9:1](/1_corinthians/9-1 "1 Corinthians 9:1 - Paul's Apostolic Authority")).
* **"and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;"** This crucial phrase points to the ongoing nature of Christ's revelation to Paul. His ministry would not be solely based on the Damascus Road experience but would be continually shaped and informed by future divine appearances and direct communications from the Lord. This prepared Paul for his unique role as the apostle to the Gentiles, receiving specific revelations concerning the mystery of the gospel ([Ephesians 3:3-6](/ephesians/3-3-6 "Ephesians 3:3-6 - The Mystery Revealed to Paul")).

#### Literary Devices
Acts 26:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Discourse**, as the verse presents the exact words spoken by Jesus to Paul, lending immense authority and immediacy to the commission. This direct address creates a sense of divine encounter and personal calling. There is also significant **Symbolism** in the command "rise, and stand upon thy feet." While literally referring to Paul's physical posture, it symbolizes his spiritual awakening, his transition from a fallen persecutor to an empowered apostle, and his readiness to embark on a new mission. The dual designation of "minister and a witness" functions as a **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a single, comprehensive idea – the totality of Paul's service and testimony. Finally, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**, particularly in the phrase "of those things in the which I will appear unto thee," hinting at future revelations and ongoing divine guidance that would shape Paul's extensive and unique ministry, especially to the Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:16 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of divine calling and apostolic authority. It unequivocally states that Paul's ministry was not a human invention but a direct, sovereign appointment by the resurrected Christ. This divine initiative underscores God's transformative power, taking a chief persecutor of the church and making him its most zealous proponent. The dual role of "minister" and "witness" encapsulates the essence of Christian service: humble submission to Christ's authority and bold proclamation of His truth, rooted in personal experience and ongoing revelation. This divine commissioning empowers believers not just for a specific task but for a life defined by God's purpose, demonstrating that past failures or present circumstances do not negate God's ability to use anyone for His glory.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "A Light to the Gentiles")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah's Divine Appointment")
* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Paul, a Servant and Apostle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 26:16 offers profound insights for every believer, reminding us that God's call is personal, purposeful, and transformative. Just as Christ appeared to Paul with a specific mandate, He continues to call and equip ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Our past does not define our future in Christ; rather, His grace can redeem and redirect our lives for His glory. We are all called to be "ministers" in our spheres of influence, serving Christ with our gifts and talents, and "witnesses" to the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. This requires both a humble posture of service and a bold readiness to share what we have seen and experienced of God's truth. Embracing this divine commission means stepping out in obedience, trusting that God will reveal the path forward as we walk in faith, just as He promised Paul further revelations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways has Christ "appeared" to you, revealing His purpose for your life?**
* **How does understanding Paul's call to be a "minister" and "witness" shape your view of your own calling and daily life?**
* **What "things which you have seen" (experiences of God's grace) are you called to bear witness to today?**
* **Are you open to "those things in the which I will appear unto thee" – the ongoing, future guidance and revelation God may have for you?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus telling Paul to "rise, and stand upon thy feet"?**

Answer: The command "rise, and stand upon thy feet" is significant on multiple levels. Physically, Paul had been knocked to the ground by the blinding light of Christ's appearance, so it was a literal instruction to regain his posture. Spiritually and symbolically, it signifies a call to a new state of readiness, strength, and authority for the ministry Christ was about to commission him to undertake. It marks a transition from prostration and blindness to an empowered stance for service, indicating that Paul was being raised up for a specific, active purpose, much like the prophet Ezekiel was told to [stand on his feet](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel 2:1 - The Spirit Lifts Ezekiel") before receiving a divine message.

**How does Paul's commission in Acts 26:16 relate to the Great Commission given to the disciples?**

Answer: While the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Empowered to be Witnesses") was given to all the apostles and, by extension, to all believers, Paul's commission in Acts 26:16 is a unique, personal, and specific apostolic calling. It aligns with the spirit of the Great Commission by tasking Paul to be a "witness," but it also defines his particular role as a "minister" with a special emphasis on reaching the Gentiles. His experience on the Damascus Road provided him with a direct, personal encounter with the resurrected Christ, which was essential for his claim to apostleship, similar to the original twelve. Thus, Paul's call is a specialized extension and fulfillment of the broader missionary mandate of the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:16 is profoundly Christ-centered, as it is the very voice of the resurrected Jesus that commissions Paul, demonstrating His ongoing sovereignty and active involvement in the expansion of His kingdom. The "purpose" for which Christ appeared to Paul was to make him a "minister and a witness," directly fulfilling the Lord's redemptive plan to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, a mission central to Christ's universal reign. Paul's ministry, rooted in this encounter, becomes a living testament to the power of the cross and resurrection, which Jesus Himself had just revealed to Paul. The "things which thou hast seen" refer to Paul's direct vision of the glorified Christ, affirming Jesus's identity as the risen Lord, the very one whom Paul had been persecuting. Furthermore, the promise of "those things in the which I will appear unto thee" points to Christ's continued revelation and guidance, ensuring that Paul's proclamation of the "mystery of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:4](/ephesians/3-4 "Ephesians 3:4 - The Mystery of Christ")) would be divinely inspired. Thus, Acts 26:16 is not merely about Paul's call, but about Christ's unwavering commitment to gather His elect from every nation, using transformed individuals like Paul as His chosen instruments to declare His saving power to the ends of the earth, as prophesied in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles") and ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Christ.

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 22:14

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

Acts 22:15

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Ezekiel 2:1

¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.

Daniel 10:11

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

1 Timothy 1:12

¶ And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 1:12

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.