Acts 26:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.’

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:18 encapsulates the divine commission given to the Apostle Paul by the resurrected Jesus Christ, outlining the transformative purpose of his ministry to the Gentiles. This pivotal verse reveals that Paul's mission is to spiritually enlighten people, liberating them from the dominion of darkness and Satan's power, so they may turn to God, receive the forgiveness of sins, and inherit eternal blessings as those set apart by faith in Christ. It articulates the profound spiritual benefits and new identity available through the Gospel message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's eloquent defense before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus in Caesarea, as recorded in [Acts 26](/acts/26 "Acts 26 - Paul's Defense Before Agrippa"). Paul, having been accused by Jewish leaders, is given the opportunity to explain his life and ministry. His speech is not merely a legal defense but a powerful personal testimony, recounting his dramatic conversion on the Damascus road and the subsequent divine mandate he received from Jesus Christ. Acts 26:18 specifically details the core components of that commission, serving as the theological justification for Paul's unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, a mission that had led to his current imprisonment. It follows Paul's description of his encounter with the risen Christ and directly precedes his appeal for Agrippa to believe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's appearance before Agrippa II and Festus occurred around A.D. 59-60. Festus, the new Roman procurator of Judea, inherited Paul's case from Felix and sought to resolve it, partly to appease the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. King Agrippa II, a descendant of Herod the Great and ruler over various territories in the region, was well-versed in Jewish law and customs, making him an ideal, albeit politically motivated, audience for Paul's defense. The setting in Caesarea, a Roman administrative center, highlights the clash between Roman imperial authority, Jewish religious tradition, and the burgeoning Christian movement. Paul's message of spiritual transformation, forgiveness, and a new inheritance through faith in a crucified and resurrected Messiah would have been radical and potentially subversive in a culture deeply entrenched in legalistic and polytheistic systems, where "power" was often associated with earthly rulers or pagan deities.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 26:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's epistles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Commission and Apostolic Authority**, demonstrating that Paul's ministry was not self-initiated but divinely ordained by the resurrected Christ, giving legitimacy to his controversial mission to the Gentiles (cf. [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Calling to the Gentiles")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Spiritual Transformation and Deliverance**, emphasizing the radical shift from spiritual blindness and Satan's dominion to enlightenment and God's sovereignty (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness and Redeemed")). Thirdly, it articulates the central Gospel themes of **Forgiveness of Sins and Eternal Inheritance**, which are foundational benefits of salvation through faith in Christ (cf. [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption and Forgiveness")). Finally, the concept of **Sanctification by Faith** is prominent, asserting that believers are set apart for God's purposes not by works of the law, but solely through their trust in Jesus (cf. [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **open (Greek, _anoígō'_):** From ἀνά and (to open), meaning to open up, literally or figuratively, in various applications. In this context, it signifies a spiritual unveiling or enlightenment, enabling those previously blind to perceive divine truth and reality. It implies a divine act that removes spiritual ignorance and allows for comprehension of the Gospel.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** From ἔξεστι (in the sense of ability), denoting privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, including delegated influence. Here, it refers to the dominion or authority of Satan over humanity, from which believers are delivered. It contrasts Satan's oppressive rule with God's liberating and benevolent authority.
* **sanctified (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** From ἅγιος, meaning to make holy, purify, consecrate, or venerate. In Acts 26:18, it describes those who are set apart by God for His purposes, a state of holiness achieved not by human effort but as a result of God's work in those who place their faith in Christ. This is a positional sanctification that leads to progressive holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To open their eyes,"**: This phrase refers to a spiritual awakening. Humanity, apart from Christ, is often depicted as spiritually blind, unable to perceive God's truth or their own need for salvation. Paul's mission, therefore, is to facilitate this divine opening of understanding, allowing people to see their sin, God's holiness, and the provision of salvation in Christ.
* **"and to turn them from darkness to light,"**: This signifies a radical change in allegiance and spiritual state. "Darkness" represents spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, and the realm of sin and Satan's influence. "Light" symbolizes God's truth, holiness, and the illuminating presence of Christ. The turning implies a profound conversion, a reorientation of one's entire being from a life alienated from God to a life lived in His truth and presence.
* **"and from the power of Satan unto God,"**: This clause emphasizes the liberation aspect of the Gospel. Before conversion, individuals are under the dominion and authority ("power") of Satan, manifesting in sin and spiritual bondage. The Gospel offers a decisive shift in lordship, transferring individuals from Satan's oppressive rule to the benevolent and sovereign reign of God.
* **"that they may receive forgiveness of sins,"**: This highlights a core benefit of salvation. Forgiveness of sins addresses humanity's greatest need: reconciliation with a holy God. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the guilt and penalty of sin are removed, enabling a restored relationship with the Creator. This is a foundational and immediate blessing for those who believe.
* **"and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."**: This final clause describes the ultimate outcome and identity of believers. "Inheritance" refers to the spiritual blessings, eternal life, and co-heirship with Christ that are the portion of God's children. "Sanctified" denotes being set apart or made holy by God. Crucially, this sanctification and the reception of the inheritance are "by faith that is in me" (referring to Christ), underscoring that these profound blessings are not earned by human merit but are gracious gifts received through trust in Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 26:18 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Parallelism**. The central metaphor is the transition "from darkness to light," which powerfully symbolizes the spiritual transformation from ignorance, sin, and Satan's dominion to divine truth, holiness, and God's liberating presence. This imagery is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, representing spiritual enlightenment and salvation. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in its structure: "to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." This balanced phrasing emphasizes the dual nature of conversion – a turning *from* a negative state (darkness, Satan's power) and a turning *to* a positive one (light, God). This rhetorical device enhances the clarity and impact of Paul's commission, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the salvation offered through Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:18 profoundly articulates the core theological truths of the Gospel, emphasizing that salvation is a comprehensive work of God that liberates individuals from spiritual bondage and grants them a new identity and destiny. It underscores the reality of humanity's fallen state, characterized by spiritual blindness and subjection to Satan's power, and presents the Gospel as God's powerful intervention to bring enlightenment, forgiveness, and a secure inheritance. This commission highlights the radical shift from a life alienated from God to one of intimate relationship and divine purpose, all made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. The verse thus serves as a foundational statement for understanding the nature of conversion, the benefits of salvation, and the ongoing mission of the church to proclaim this transformative message.

* [Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Ephesians 5:8 - Children of Light")
* [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness")
* [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 26:18 serves as a profound reminder of the Gospel's transformative power and our ongoing call to participate in God's mission. For those who have placed their faith in Christ, it celebrates the immense privilege of having our eyes opened, being delivered from spiritual darkness and Satan's grip, receiving the unfathomable gift of sin's forgiveness, and inheriting a glorious future among God's sanctified people. This verse compels us to gratitude for such a radical rescue and to live lives that reflect our new identity in Christ—lives set apart for God's purposes. Furthermore, it firmly establishes the enduring mission of the church: to continue Paul's work by proclaiming this same life-changing message to a world still in spiritual darkness, under the sway of sin and Satan. Our faith not only secures our salvation but also empowers us to be agents of God's light, truth, and liberation, testifying to His grace and inviting others into this same glorious inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways has your "eyes" been opened to spiritual truth since coming to faith in Christ?**
* **How do you personally experience the ongoing deliverance "from the power of Satan unto God" in your daily life?**
* **What does it mean to you to live as one "sanctified by faith," and how does this identity shape your actions and priorities?**
* **How can you more intentionally participate in the mission of opening others' eyes and turning them from darkness to light in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**What does "faith that is in me" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "faith that is in me" (Greek: _pístis hē en emoi_) explicitly refers to faith in Jesus Christ, the speaker who commissioned Paul. This highlights that the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance among the sanctified are not achieved through adherence to the Law, human effort, or any other means, but solely through personal trust and reliance upon Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. It underscores the Christocentric nature of salvation, where Jesus Himself is both the object and the enabler of the saving faith. This emphasis on faith in Christ is a cornerstone of Paul's theology, consistently articulated throughout his epistles as the means by which humanity is justified and brought into a right relationship with God, as seen in passages like [Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ") and [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justified by Faith in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:18, though spoken by the resurrected Christ to Paul, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Himself and His redemptive work. The commission "to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light" directly reflects Jesus' own ministry as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came to illuminate those dwelling in spiritual obscurity, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a great light dawning on those in darkness (cf. [Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - Light for Those in Darkness"), applied in [Matthew 4:16](/matthew/4-16 "Matthew 4:16 - Light Has Dawned")). The deliverance "from the power of Satan unto God" is accomplished through Christ's decisive victory over sin and death on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and through His resurrection, broke the power of the one who holds the power of death, that is, the devil (cf. [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Destroying the Power of Death")). The "forgiveness of sins" is made possible solely by His atoning sacrifice, as His blood was shed for the remission of sins (cf. [Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant for Forgiveness"), [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Finally, the "inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me" highlights that believers are sanctified and receive their inheritance *in Christ*, who is Himself our inheritance and the source of our holiness (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, every aspect of Paul's mission, as outlined in this verse, points to the person and finished work of Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation and spiritual transformation.

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

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.