Acts 26:16

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀλλὰ

G235

But

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἀνάστηθι

G450

rise

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

στῆθι

G2476

stand

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόδας

G4228

feet

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σου·

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#10

τοῦτο

G5124

this purpose

that thing

#11

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#12

ὀφθήσομαί

G3700

I have appeared

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

#13

σοι

G4671

unto thee

to thee

#14

προχειρίσασθαί

G4400

to make

to handle for oneself in advance, i.e., (figuratively) to purpose

#15

σε

G4571

thee

#16

ὑπηρέτην

G5257

a minister

an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

μάρτυρα

G3144

a witness

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

#19

ὧν

G3739

of these things which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#20

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#21

εἶδές

G1492

thou hast seen

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#22

ὧν

G3739

of these things which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#23

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#24

ὀφθήσομαί

G3700

I have appeared

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

#25

σοι

G4671

unto thee

to thee

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 26 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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People

Peter
Paul