Acts 26

Resurrection

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Acts 26:6–8

The promise God made to Israel's fathers was fulfilled in the Messiah, whom God raised from the dead. Paul says Israel's twelve tribes hoped for this very thing.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by Acts 13:32-33 — The promise made to the fathers God fulfilled in raising up Jesus.
• interpreted by Acts 26:23 — Christ should be the first to rise from the dead.

Jesus

Jesus — Jehovah saves

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Acts 26:9

Before his conversion Paul fought against the very name of Jesus. His story shows the Lord can turn even His fiercest opponent into His witness.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

Jesus

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. Acts 26:13–14

The glorified Christ appears in a light brighter than the noonday sun. His words compare Saul to an ox kicking against the goad — resisting Him only hurts Saul.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 9:3-4 — Narrative account of the vision.
• the same event in Acts 22:6-7 — Paul's retelling to the Jerusalem crowd.

Jesus

Jesus — Jehovah saves

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. Acts 26:15

The Lord of the vision identifies Himself by name as Jesus, the one Saul had been fighting.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 9:5 — Same self-identification.
• the same event in Acts 22:8 — 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.'

Jesus

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Acts 26:16–17

Christ explains why He appeared: to make Paul a minister and eyewitness, promising further appearances and protection as He sends him to the Gentiles.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 22:21 — 'I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.'
• fulfilled by Acts 23:11 — The Lord appears to Paul again as promised.

Faith in Christ

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. Acts 26:18

Jesus Himself teaches that forgiveness and sanctification come 'by faith that is in me'. Paul's mission extends Christ's own servant work of opening blind eyes and bringing light.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 42:6-7 — The servant is a light of the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes and bring out them that sit in darkness.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One (Greek for Messiah)

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: Acts 26:22–23

Paul declares that Moses and the prophets foretold a Messiah who would suffer. This is an inspired key: the Old Testament points to Jesus' Atonement.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Luke 24:26-27 — Ought not Christ to have suffered? Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded the things concerning Himself.
• interprets Isaiah 53:3-5 — The suffering servant, wounded for our transgressions.
• the same title in Jacob 4:4-5 — All the holy prophets believed in Christ; the law of Moses pointed to Him.

Resurrection

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. Acts 26:23

Christ was foretold to be the first to rise from the dead in resurrected glory, opening the way for everyone else to rise.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 1 Corinthians 15:20 — Christ risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that slept.
• alludes to 2 Nephi 2:8 — The Holy Messiah is the first that should rise.

Light of the World

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. Acts 26:23

The prophets foretold that the Messiah would bring light to Israel and to all nations. The risen Christ fulfills this through His witnesses like Paul.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Isaiah 49:6 — I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles.
• the same title in Luke 2:32 — Simeon: a light to lighten the Gentiles.

Taking His name

Christian — a follower who bears the name of Christ

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Acts 26:28

King Agrippa uses the name 'Christian', meaning one who belongs to Christ. He came close to taking that name upon himself but stopped short.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Acts 11:26 — The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
• the same title in Alma 46:15 — True believers in Christ took upon them the name of Christ, or Christians.