Acts 26:9

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Acts 26:9 presents a powerful confession from the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, as he recounts his life before his dramatic conversion to Christianity. Speaking before King Agrippa II and other Roman officials, Paul explains the fervent zeal that once drove him to persecute followers of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's defense speech before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus in Caesarea. Paul is appealing to Caesar, and Festus, wanting to send a clear charge, arranged this hearing. Paul uses this opportunity to share his personal testimony, emphasizing his former life as a zealous Pharisee who genuinely believed he was doing God's will by suppressing the nascent Christian movement. He describes his actions as being "contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth," highlighting his active hostility towards Christ and His disciples.

Key Themes

  • Misguided Zeal: Paul's confession reveals a deep religious conviction that was, at the time, tragically misdirected. He genuinely believed his actions were righteous and necessary for upholding Jewish law and tradition, demonstrating how intense devotion can lead to error without divine revelation. This is a common theme when discussing zeal without knowledge.
  • Persecution of the Church: The phrase "contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth" directly refers to Paul's active persecution of early Christians. He was a notorious figure who sought to imprison and even consent to the death of believers, seeing them as a dangerous sect. This highlights the severe challenges faced by the early church and the intense opposition to the spread of the Gospel.
  • The Power of Transformation: This verse serves as a stark contrast to Paul's later life. It sets the stage for the dramatic change that occurred on the Damascus Road, where he encountered the risen Christ. His testimony underscores the transformative power of God's grace, turning a persecutor into a devoted apostle.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the name of Jesus of Nazareth" (τὸ ὄνομα Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου - to onoma Iēsou tou Nazōraiou) is significant. In ancient Jewish thought, a "name" often represented the person's character, authority, and presence. To act "contrary to the name" meant to oppose everything Jesus stood for, His identity as Messiah, His teachings, and His followers. "Jesus of Nazareth" emphasizes His earthly origin and identity, which was often used by His detractors to dismiss His claims and was a point of contention among those who did not believe He was the Christ.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Acts 26:9 serves as a powerful reminder that genuine conviction, even if deeply held, can be misplaced. It encourages us to:

  1. Examine Our Beliefs: Are our actions truly aligned with God's will, or are we operating from misguided zeal or personal prejudice? Paul's story urges us to humbly seek truth.
  2. Recognize God's Grace: Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle demonstrates the boundless grace and redemptive power of God, who can change any heart, no matter how set against Him.
  3. Extend Understanding: It helps us understand that those who oppose the Gospel may not be inherently evil, but genuinely mistaken in their understanding, providing a call for prayer and compassionate evangelism rather than condemnation.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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