Acts 26:17

KJV

Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

KJV (with Strong's)

Delivering {G1807} thee {G4571} from {G1537} the people {G2992}, and {G2532} from the Gentiles {G1484}, unto {G1519} whom {G3739} now {G3568} I send {G649} thee {G4571},

Complete Jewish Bible

I will deliver you from the People and from the Goyim. I am sending you

Berean Standard Bible

I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them

American Standard Version

delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:17 captures a pivotal moment in Paul's defense before King Agrippa II, recounting Jesus' direct commission to him on the Damascus road. This verse reveals the divine mandate for Paul's apostleship, assuring him of God's protection from both Jewish and Gentile opposition, and definitively outlining the universal scope of his mission to bring the Gospel message to all nations. It underscores the supernatural origin and enduring purpose of Paul's ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 26:17 is embedded within Paul's eloquent and powerful defense speech before King Agrippa II, Governor Festus, and Bernice in Caesarea. This address, recorded in [Acts 26](/acts/26 "Acts 26 - Paul's Defense Before Agrippa"), is Paul's final major defense in Acts before his journey to Rome. He is appealing to Caesar, and this hearing is an opportunity for Festus to clarify the charges against him. Paul seizes the moment to present not merely a legal defense, but a compelling testimony of his conversion and divine calling. Verse 17 is a direct quote from the resurrected Jesus, spoken to Paul during his Damascus road encounter, serving as the foundational authorization for his entire apostolic ministry. It directly follows Paul's description of his radical transformation from persecutor to apostle, establishing the divine authority behind his mission to both Jews and Gentiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's trial takes place in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman provincial capital of Judea, a city with a significant Gentile population but also a strong Jewish presence. He is standing before Roman authorities (Festus) and Jewish royalty (Agrippa II and Bernice), who held considerable influence and knowledge of Jewish customs and prophecies. The "people" (Jewish populace) had consistently opposed Paul, viewing him as a renegade who preached against the Law and brought Gentiles into sacred spaces, leading to his arrest in Jerusalem (cf. [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Acts 21:27-36 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem")). The "Gentiles" represented the vast, non-Jewish world, largely pagan, to whom Paul was uniquely called to minister. This setting highlights the immense cultural and religious chasm Paul was commissioned to bridge, often at great personal peril.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's theology. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the theme of **Divine Calling and Apostleship**, emphasizing that Paul's ministry was not self-initiated but a direct, authoritative mandate from the risen Christ, as seen in his conversion account in [Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - Paul's Conversion"). Secondly, it highlights the **Universal Scope of the Gospel**, demonstrating God's redemptive plan extending beyond Israel to encompass all nations, a theme central to the book of Acts (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Thirdly, the promise of "delivering thee" underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Sustenance** in the face of relentless opposition, a recurring motif throughout Paul's missionary journeys as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings"). Finally, it reinforces the **Transformative Power of Christ**, as the very one who persecuted believers is now divinely commissioned to proclaim Christ to the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delivering (Greek, _exairéō'_):** From G1807, meaning "to tear out," "to select," or figuratively, "to release" or "rescue." This word conveys a forceful, active intervention by God to snatch Paul out of danger. It implies that Paul would face significant threats from which only divine power could extricate him, not merely a passive protection but an active, decisive rescue.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** From G1484, meaning "a race" or "tribe," specifically referring to a foreign, non-Jewish people, often with the implication of being pagan. This term clearly distinguishes the non-Jewish nations from "the people" (laós), who are the Jewish people. The explicit mention of "Gentiles" underscores the groundbreaking and inclusive nature of Paul's mission, breaking down traditional ethnic and religious barriers.
* **send (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** From G649, meaning "to set apart" or "to send out, properly on a mission." This is the root word for "apostle" (apóstolos). It signifies a formal, authoritative commissioning with a specific purpose and delegated authority. Jesus is not merely suggesting a task but formally dispatching Paul as His authorized representative to a specific demographic, validating Paul's unique role as an apostle to the Gentiles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Delivering thee from the people":** This clause signifies Jesus' promise of divine protection for Paul from the hostile Jewish populace. Throughout Acts, Paul faced intense opposition, plots, and physical attacks from Jewish leaders and crowds who rejected his message of a crucified and resurrected Messiah and, especially, his mission to the Gentiles. This promise implies that Paul would be preserved through these dangers to fulfill his calling.
* **"and [from] the Gentiles":** This part extends the promise of deliverance to include dangers from non-Jewish peoples. While Paul was primarily sent *to* the Gentiles, he also faced opposition and persecution from them, particularly from those whose economic interests were threatened by the Gospel (e.g., the silversmiths in Ephesus, [Acts 19:23-41](/acts/19-23-41 "Acts 19:23-41 - The Riot in Ephesus")) or from Roman authorities who misunderstood his message. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the threats Paul would encounter and God's overarching protection.
* **"unto whom now I send thee":** This is the core of Paul's commission. The phrase "unto whom" refers to both "the people" (Jews) and "the Gentiles," indicating the universal scope of his mission. The "now I send thee" highlights the immediate, divine authority and urgency of Paul's appointment. It is a direct, personal mandate from the risen Christ, establishing Paul's apostleship and the divine origin of his message, particularly his unique role as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" ([Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles")).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Direct Discourse** is prominent, as Paul quotes Jesus' exact words, lending immense authority and authenticity to his commission. The use of **Antithesis** is clear in the pairing of "the people" (Jews) and "the Gentiles," highlighting the two distinct groups Paul is sent to, and emphasizing the universal reach of the Gospel that transcends traditional boundaries. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' promise of "delivering thee" anticipates the numerous perils and miraculous escapes Paul would experience throughout his ministry, affirming God's faithfulness in protecting His chosen instrument. Finally, the entire statement functions as a **Divine Commission**, a formal and authoritative sending that establishes Paul's identity and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:17 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's sovereign calling and the expansive reach of His redemptive plan. It reveals that God not only chooses His instruments but also actively protects and empowers them for the specific tasks He assigns, even amidst intense opposition. The commission to both "the people" (Jews) and "the Gentiles" underscores the breaking down of the dividing wall of hostility through Christ, establishing a new humanity where all are united in Him. This verse affirms that salvation is not ethnically exclusive but universally available, a truth central to the New Testament's understanding of the Church as a multi-ethnic body.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")
* [Galatians 2:7-8](/galatians/2-7-8 "Galatians 2:7-8 - Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Barriers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 26:17 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. It reminds us that our calling, whatever form it takes, originates from God. Just as Paul was divinely commissioned and protected, we too can trust in God's faithfulness to equip and sustain us in our unique spheres of influence. This verse challenges us to embrace the universal scope of the Gospel, recognizing that God desires all people to come to the knowledge of Him. It calls us beyond our comfort zones and cultural biases, empowering us to share Christ's transformative message with everyone, regardless of their background. Furthermore, it instills confidence that even when we face opposition, God is actively involved in our deliverance, not necessarily from all hardship, but through it, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled. Our mission, like Paul's, is ultimately God's mission, and He is faithful to complete what He starts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you perceive God "delivering" you from challenges or opposition in your life or ministry?**
* **How might you be called to extend the Gospel message beyond your familiar "people" group to "Gentiles" in your community or globally?**
* **What specific "sending" or calling do you believe God has placed on your life, and how does knowing it's from Him empower you?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus specify "the people" and "the Gentiles" when commissioning Paul?**

Answer: Jesus specified "the people" (referring to the Jewish nation) and "the Gentiles" to clearly delineate the universal scope of Paul's mission. Historically, salvation was understood primarily through the lens of Israel. By explicitly naming both groups, Jesus emphasized that the Gospel message was now for *all* humanity, breaking down the traditional barrier between Jew and Gentile. This was a radical departure from conventional Jewish thought and underscored the inclusive nature of the new covenant in Christ, affirming Paul's unique role as the "apostle to the Gentiles" while still acknowledging his initial outreach to the Jews in every city.

**Does God still "deliver" His servants today from opposition?**

Answer: Yes, God continues to deliver His servants today, though "deliverance" may not always mean physical rescue from harm. Just as with Paul, God promises His presence and strength *through* trials, often using difficulties to refine character, deepen faith, and advance His kingdom. Deliverance can manifest as supernatural protection, inner peace amidst chaos, provision in times of need, or even spiritual victory over spiritual opposition. The ultimate assurance is that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus, as affirmed in [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Unfailing Love").

**What does Paul's "sending" imply for believers today?**

Answer: Paul's "sending" by Jesus implies that every believer has a divine commission, not necessarily as an apostle, but as a participant in God's grand mission. Just as Paul was "sent," all Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), sharing the good news within their spheres of influence. This "sending" provides a sense of purpose, authority, and divine backing for our efforts to live out and proclaim the Gospel, knowing that we are equipped by the one who sends us, as Jesus Himself commissioned His disciples in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is the resurrected Christ, the very one Paul persecuted, who now commissions him, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and authority over all creation and all history. Jesus, as the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is the one who makes possible the reconciliation of both "the people" (Israel) and "the Gentiles" into one new humanity. His death on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), making access to God possible for all who believe, regardless of their ethnic background. Paul's mission to the Gentiles is a direct outflow of Christ's cosmic redemptive work, fulfilling ancient prophecies that the Messiah would be a light to the nations ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")). Thus, Paul is merely the instrument through whom Christ's universal reign and saving power are extended, culminating in the establishment of His global Church, the body of which Christ Himself is the head ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Church")).

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 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

1 Timothy 2:7

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

2 Timothy 3:11

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.

Acts 28:28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.