Acts 26:9

KJV

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} verily {G3303}{G3767} thought {G1380} with myself {G1683}, that I ought {G1163} to do {G4238} many things {G4183} contrary {G1727} to {G4314} the name {G3686} of Jesus {G2424} of Nazareth {G3480}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I used to think it was my duty to do all I could to combat the name of Yeshua from Natzeret;

Berean Standard Bible

So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

American Standard Version

I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 26:9 captures the Apostle Paul's profound confession before King Agrippa II, revealing the intense, yet tragically misguided, conviction that once fueled his persecution of early Christians. Prior to his conversion, Paul (then Saul) genuinely believed his zealous actions against the followers of "Jesus of Nazareth" were not only justified but divinely mandated, illustrating the depth of his former opposition to the burgeoning Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Paul's defense speech before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus in Caesarea (Acts 25-26). Paul, having appealed to Caesar, is given an opportunity to present his case, and he seizes it to share his powerful personal testimony. Acts 26:9 specifically marks the beginning of Paul's detailed recounting of his life before encountering the risen Christ on the Damascus Road. It sets the stage for the dramatic transformation that follows, emphasizing the stark contrast between his former identity as a persecutor and his later calling as an apostle. His confession here is not one of regret for past actions, but an honest acknowledgment of his sincere, albeit mistaken, conviction at the time.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, as Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous Pharisee, trained under the esteemed Gamaliel (cf. [Acts 22:3](/acts/22-3 "Acts 22:3 - Paul's Pharisaic Training")). His actions against Christians were rooted in his deep commitment to Jewish law and tradition, which he perceived as being threatened by the nascent Christian movement. From a Pharisaic perspective, the claims of Jesus as Messiah, particularly a crucified Messiah, were blasphemous and an affront to God's law (cf. [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Cursed is Everyone Who Hangs on a Tree")). The early Christians, particularly those who believed Jesus was the resurrected Lord, were seen as a dangerous sect that needed to be suppressed to preserve the purity of Judaism. Paul's persecution was not merely personal animosity but a religiously motivated campaign, reflecting the intense theological and cultural clash between traditional Judaism and the new Christian faith in the 1st century Roman Empire.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Misguided Zeal**, where fervent religious conviction, when lacking divine revelation, can lead to opposition against God's true purposes. Paul's confession here underscores the severity of the **Persecution of the Early Church**, demonstrating the intense hostility faced by believers as they sought to spread the Gospel. His past actions, described as "contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth," set the stage for the profound theme of **Divine Transformation and Grace**. The dramatic shift from persecutor to apostle, initiated by his encounter with the risen Christ on [the road to Damascus](/acts/9-3 "Acts 9:3 - Paul's Encounter on the Damascus Road"), powerfully illustrates God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the most ardent opponents for His glory. This narrative arc reinforces the idea that God's grace is sufficient to save and transform anyone, regardless of their past actions, a truth Paul frequently emphasizes in his epistles (e.g., [1 Timothy 1:15-16](/1_timothy/1-15-16 "1 Timothy 1:15-16 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thought (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This verb implies not just a casual idea, but a considered opinion or a firm conviction. Paul's use of _dokéō_ here suggests that his actions were not impulsive but stemmed from a settled belief system. He genuinely "seemed" to himself, or truly "supposed," that his course of action was correct and justified, reflecting a deep-seated, albeit erroneous, theological framework.
* **ought (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb signifies necessity, obligation, or what is proper and binding. For Paul, persecuting Christians was not merely an option but a perceived duty, something he felt compelled to do. It indicates a strong sense of moral or religious imperative, highlighting the depth of his commitment to what he believed was God's will at the time. This word underscores the sincerity of his misguided zeal.
* **contrary (Greek, _enantíos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "opposite," _enantíos_ denotes direct opposition or antagonism. Paul's actions were not merely different from, but actively hostile to and diametrically opposed to, everything associated with Jesus of Nazareth. This word vividly portrays the intensity of his former resistance and the complete antithesis between his pre-conversion life and the "name" (authority, character, and mission) of Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I verily thought with myself,"**: Paul begins by emphasizing his internal conviction. The phrase "verily thought with myself" (KJV, combining G3303 _mén_ and G3767 _oûn_ for emphasis, with G1380 _dokéō_ for "thought" and G1683 _emautoû_ for "with myself") underscores that his actions were not externally coerced but originated from a deeply held, personal belief. He was convinced in his own mind and conscience that what he was doing was right. This highlights the sincerity of his zeal, even if it was misdirected.
* **"that I ought to do many things"**: This clause reveals the perceived obligation and the scope of his actions. The word "ought" (G1163 _deî_) conveys a sense of necessity or duty, indicating that Paul felt religiously compelled to act. The "many things" (G4183 _polýs_) refers to the extensive and varied ways he actively suppressed the Christian movement, including imprisoning believers, consenting to their deaths, and pursuing them even to foreign cities, as detailed in other parts of his testimony.
* **"contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth."**: This final phrase specifies the target and nature of his opposition. To act "contrary to the name" (G1727 _enantíos_ to G3686 _ónoma_) meant to oppose the very authority, character, and essence of Jesus. The addition "of Nazareth" (G3480 _Nazōraîos_) often carried a pejorative connotation, emphasizing Jesus' humble origins and serving as a point of dismissal for those who rejected His messianic claims. Paul's actions were a direct assault on Jesus' identity, His teachings, and His followers, whom he saw as a dangerous sect.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's confession in Acts 26:9 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact. The primary device is **Confession**, where Paul openly admits his past error and the depth of his former opposition, creating a powerful contrast with his present identity as an apostle of Christ. This confession serves as a rhetorical strategy to establish his credibility and the authenticity of his conversion. There is also an element of **Irony** in Paul's statement; his zealous efforts to suppress "the name of Jesus of Nazareth" ultimately led to his personal encounter with the risen Christ, who then called him to proclaim that very name. The phrase "the name of Jesus of Nazareth" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire person, authority, and movement of Jesus Christ. By opposing "the name," Paul was opposing everything Jesus represented, including His followers and the spread of the Gospel. This metonymy effectively encapsulates the full scope of his pre-conversion hostility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 26:9 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human conviction, divine sovereignty, and the transformative power of grace. It highlights that sincere religious zeal, even when deeply felt, can be tragically misdirected if not aligned with God's revealed truth. Paul's belief that he "ought" to do things "contrary to the name of Jesus" underscores how human understanding, apart from divine revelation, can lead to opposition against God's own purposes. Yet, this very opposition sets the stage for one of the most dramatic demonstrations of God's sovereign grace, where the chief persecutor becomes the chief apostle. This narrative emphasizes that God's redemptive plan is not thwarted by human resistance but can even incorporate and transform it for His glory, showcasing His boundless capacity to save and repurpose.

* [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Persecution of Believers")
* [Galatians 1:13-14](/galatians/1-13-14 "Galatians 1:13-14 - Paul's Former Life in Judaism")
* [1 Timothy 1:12-16](/1_timothy/1-12-16 "1 Timothy 1:12-16 - Paul's Testimony of God's Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's confession in Acts 26:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations of our own convictions, ensuring that our zeal is rooted in truth and guided by the Spirit, rather than by personal prejudice, cultural norms, or inherited traditions that may, unwittingly, oppose God's will. Paul, a man of intense religious devotion, genuinely believed he was serving God by persecuting Christians; his story serves as a sober reminder that sincerity does not equate to correctness. It also calls us to a deeper understanding of God's radical grace, which is capable of transforming even the most hardened hearts and redirecting the most misdirected zeal. We are reminded that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive power, fostering compassion for those who oppose the Gospel and encouraging persistent prayer and loving engagement rather than condemnation. Ultimately, this verse invites us to humble self-reflection and a renewed reliance on divine revelation for true spiritual discernment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my sincere convictions, if unchecked by God's Word and Spirit, lead me to act "contrary" to His will or His "name"?**
* **How does Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle deepen my understanding of God's boundless grace and His ability to redeem anyone?**
* **How can Paul's example encourage me to pray for and compassionately engage with those who actively oppose the Christian faith today?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul (Saul) believe he "ought" to persecute Christians?**

Answer: Paul's conviction stemmed from his deep commitment to Judaism, particularly his identity as a zealous Pharisee. He believed that the followers of Jesus, by proclaiming a crucified Messiah and a new covenant, were undermining the Mosaic Law, blaspheming God, and threatening the purity of Jewish tradition. From his perspective, Jesus' claims and the rapid growth of the Christian movement were a dangerous heresy that needed to be suppressed to uphold what he understood as God's truth and the integrity of Israel. He genuinely felt it was his religious duty to eradicate this new sect, as he states in [Acts 22:3-5](/acts/22-3-5 "Acts 22:3-5 - Paul's Pharisaic Education and Persecution").

**What does "contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth" signify?**

Answer: In ancient thought, a "name" represented the person's character, authority, and very essence. To act "contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth" meant to oppose everything Jesus stood for: His divine authority, His identity as the Messiah, His teachings, His redemptive work, and His followers (the Church). The phrase "of Nazareth" often carried a derogatory connotation, emphasizing Jesus' humble origins and serving as a point of dismissal for those who rejected His messianic claims. Thus, Paul's actions were a direct, active, and comprehensive antagonism against Jesus Christ Himself and all that He embodied and initiated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 26:9, a stark confession of Paul's former opposition, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the actions described, but in the dramatic reversal that follows. Paul's conviction that he "ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth" directly sets the stage for his encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus Road. It was Jesus Himself, the very "name" Paul sought to suppress, who confronted him, saying, "[Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?](/acts/9-4 "Acts 9:4 - Jesus Confronts Saul")" This divine intervention reveals that in persecuting His followers, Paul was, in fact, persecuting Christ Himself, underscoring the intimate union between Christ and His Church (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")). Paul's transformation from a zealous persecutor to a devoted apostle of Christ, as recounted in [Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - The Conversion of Saul"), [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense Before the Jews"), and [Acts 26](/acts/26 "Acts 26 - Paul Before Agrippa"), is the ultimate testament to Christ's sovereign power to redeem and repurpose anyone, no matter how vehemently they once opposed Him. His life became a living demonstration of the gospel he once fought against, fulfilling Christ's mission to save even the "foremost of sinners" (cf. [1 Timothy 1:15-16](/1_timothy/1-15-16 "1 Timothy 1:15-16 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")).

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 Timothy 1:13

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

Acts 22:8

And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

Galatians 1:13

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Galatians 1:14

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Philippians 3:6

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Acts 24:5

For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.