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Acts 26:11

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And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities.

And {G2532} I punished {G5097} them {G846} oft {G4178} in {G2596} every {G3956} synagogue {G4864}, and compelled {G315} them to blaspheme {G987}; and {G5037} being {G1693} exceedingly {G4057} mad against {G1693} them {G846}, I persecuted {G1377} them even {G2532} unto {G1519}{G2193} strange {G1854} cities {G4172}.

Often I went from one synagogue to another, punishing them and trying to make them blaspheme; and in my wild fury against them, I even went so far as to persecute them in cities outside the country.

I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

And punishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.

Commentary

Context of Acts 26:11

Acts 26:11 is part of Paul's impassioned defense before King Agrippa II, Festus, and Bernice. In this speech, Paul recounts his life story, particularly his dramatic transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to an ardent follower of Christ. This verse specifically details his intense and violent actions against the early followers of "the Way" before his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. It highlights the depth of his former opposition, setting the stage for the miraculous intervention of God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Former Persecution and Zeal: This verse vividly illustrates the extreme measures Paul (then Saul) took to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement. His actions were not merely passive disapproval but active, brutal persecution, driven by what he believed was righteous zeal for Judaism. He describes punishing believers "oft in every synagogue," indicating a systematic and widespread effort to eradicate the new faith.
  • Forced Blasphemy: The phrase "compelled [them] to blaspheme" reveals a particularly cruel aspect of his persecution. Saul sought not just to physically harm or imprison believers but to force them to publicly deny Christ. This pressure aimed to break their faith and make them renounce their allegiance to Jesus, a profound act of spiritual coercion.
  • Intense Hostility: Paul admits to being "exceedingly mad against them," reflecting a profound hatred and fury towards Christians. This emotional intensity underscores the depth of his conviction that Christianity was a dangerous heresy that needed to be stamped out. His persecution extended "even unto strange cities," demonstrating his relentless pursuit beyond Jerusalem, as also seen in his journey to Damascus (Acts 9:1-2).
  • The Need for Transformation: This verse serves as a powerful testament to the radical change wrought in Paul's life. His recounting of such violent and hateful acts makes his subsequent devotion to Christ and suffering for the Gospel all the more remarkable, emphasizing God's power to redeem and transform even the most ardent opponents (1 Timothy 1:13).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "compelled [them] to blaspheme" translates the Greek verb anagkazō (ἀναγκάζω), which signifies to force, compel, or put under necessity. This wasn't gentle persuasion but strong coercion. The word "blaspheme" (blasphēmeō, βλασφημέω) here means to speak evil of, revile, or slander, specifically referring to denying or cursing Christ. Paul's admission of being "exceedingly mad against them" uses the Greek perissōs emmainomenos (περισσῶς ἐμμαινόμενος), conveying an extreme, almost frenzied rage or madness, highlighting the irrational intensity of his hatred.

Practical Application

Acts 26:11 offers several profound lessons for believers today:

  • God's Transforming Power: It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. If God could transform someone as fiercely opposed to Him as Saul, He can transform anyone. This should inspire hope and prayer for those who seem most resistant to the Gospel.
  • The Dangers of Misguided Zeal: Paul's past actions serve as a stark warning about the dangers of religious zeal untempered by true knowledge and love. Sincere conviction, when misdirected, can lead to great harm and injustice (Romans 10:2).
  • The Cost of Discipleship: The persecution faced by early Christians, including being forced to blaspheme, underscores the real and often severe cost of following Christ. It calls believers to stand firm in their faith even under pressure, understanding that their allegiance is to Christ above all else.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Acts 13:45 (4 votes)

    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

  • Acts 22:19 (4 votes)

    And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

  • Matthew 10:17 (4 votes)

    But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

  • Acts 9:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

  • Acts 22:5 (3 votes)

    As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

  • Acts 18:6 (2 votes)

    And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

  • Luke 15:17 (2 votes)

    And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!