Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

To open {G455} their {G846} eyes {G3788}, and to turn {G1994} them from {G575} darkness {G4655} to {G1519} light {G5457}, and {G2532} from the power {G1849} of Satan {G4567} unto {G1909} God {G2316}, that they {G846} may receive {G2983} forgiveness {G859} of sins {G266}, and {G2532} inheritance {G2819} among {G1722} them which are sanctified {G37} by faith {G4102} that is in {G1519} me {G1691}.

to open their eyes; so that they will turn from darkness to light, from the power of the Adversary to God, and thus receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who have been separated for holiness by putting their trust in me.’

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 an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.

Acts 26:18 records a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's testimony before King Agrippa. Here, Paul recounts the divine commission he received from Jesus Christ during his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. This verse encapsulates the core purpose of Paul's ministry to the Gentiles, outlining the profound spiritual transformation and benefits available through faith in Jesus.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's defense in Caesarea, where he stands before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus. Paul is explaining why he preaches the Gospel, specifically detailing the instructions given to him by the resurrected Jesus Christ. His testimony is not merely a recounting of his past but a justification for his mission, highlighting the divine origin and transformative power of the message he proclaims to both Jews and Gentiles. This particular verse summarizes the specific calling Jesus laid upon Paul's life to be an apostle to the nations.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Enlightenment: The phrase "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light" speaks to a fundamental spiritual awakening. Humanity, apart from God, is often depicted as spiritually blind, living in ignorance and moral obscurity. Paul's mission was to bring the illuminating truth of the Gospel, leading people out of this spiritual darkness into the light of God's truth.
  • Deliverance from Satan's Power: The commission includes turning people "from the power of Satan unto God." This highlights the reality of spiritual bondage and the liberating power of God's grace. Before conversion, individuals are under the dominion of Satan and sin; the Gospel offers a radical shift in allegiance, bringing them under the benevolent authority of God. Colossians 1:13 also speaks to this deliverance from the dominion of darkness.
  • Forgiveness of Sins: A central promise of the Gospel is "that they may receive forgiveness of sins." This addresses humanity's greatest need—reconciliation with a holy God. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, sins can be pardoned, and a right relationship with God restored. This is a foundational benefit of faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Inheritance and Sanctification: Believers are promised "inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." This refers to the spiritual blessings and eternal life that are the portion of God's people. "Sanctified" (Greek: hēgiasmenois) means to be set apart or made holy. This sanctification is not achieved by human effort but is a result of God's work in those who place their faith in Jesus Christ. It signifies their new identity and belonging within God's holy family.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sanctified" (Greek: hēgiasmenois) is a perfect passive participle, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. It emphasizes that believers are already set apart by God through faith, not by their own works, for a holy purpose. This divine act of sanctification is a gift, a result of Christ's work, which then leads to a life of progressive holiness.

Practical Application

Acts 26:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel. For believers, it reinforces the immense privilege of having been called out of darkness into light, delivered from spiritual bondage, and granted forgiveness and an eternal inheritance. It also underscores the ongoing mission of the church: to continue Paul's work by proclaiming this same life-changing message to others who are still in spiritual darkness. Our faith in Christ not only secures our salvation but also empowers us to live a life set apart for God's purposes, testifying to His grace and truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Ephesians 1:18

    The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

  • Ephesians 5:8

    For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

  • Acts 20:32

    And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

  • Isaiah 42:7

    To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  • John 8:12

    ¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
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