Acts 26:16
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;
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἀνάστηθι
rise
G450
ἀνάστηθι
rise
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
2 of 25
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
στῆθι
stand
G2476
στῆθι
stand
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
4 of 25
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 25
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
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὀφθήσομαί
I have appeared
G3700
ὀφθήσομαί
I have appeared
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
12 of 25
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
προχειρίσασθαί
to make
G4400
προχειρίσασθαί
to make
Strong's:
G4400
Word #:
14 of 25
to handle for oneself in advance, i.e., (figuratively) to purpose
ὑπηρέτην
a minister
G5257
ὑπηρέτην
a minister
Strong's:
G5257
Word #:
16 of 25
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μάρτυρα
a witness
G3144
μάρτυρα
a witness
Strong's:
G3144
Word #:
18 of 25
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
ὧν
of these things which
G3739
ὧν
of these things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἶδές
thou hast seen
G1492
εἶδές
thou hast seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
21 of 25
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὧν
of these things which
G3739
ὧν
of these things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
22 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Ezekiel 2:1And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.Daniel 10:11And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.Romans 15:16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.1 Timothy 1:12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;Galatians 1:12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Paul recounts this before King Agrippa II (circa AD 59-60) as his defense against Jewish accusations. This is the third account of his conversion in Acts (9:1-19, 22:6-16, 26:12-18), each emphasizing different aspects. The setting before Herod Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great, placed Paul's testimony before Roman-Jewish royalty in Caesarea.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's direct commissioning of Paul challenge our understanding of apostolic authority and calling?
- What does it mean to be both a 'minister' (servant) and a 'witness' (martyr) in your context today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But rise, and stand upon thy feet—Christ's command echoes Ezekiel 2:1, where the prophet received his commission. The Greek ἀνάστηθι (anastēthi, stand up) and στῆθι (stēthi, stand) emphasize immediate obedience and readiness for service.
I have appeared unto thee for this purpose (εἰς τοῦτο ὤφθην σοι)—Jesus declares Paul's Damascus Road encounter was purposeful, not accidental. To make thee a minister and a witness (ὑπηρέτην καὶ μάρτυρα)—The word ὑπηρέτης (hupēretēs) means 'under-rower,' a subordinate servant, while μάρτυς (martus) became the root of 'martyr.' Paul's apostleship derives directly from Christ's resurrection appearances, validating his authority equal to the Twelve. Both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee—Paul's testimony would include both his Damascus experience and future revelations (2 Corinthians 12:1-4), establishing him as eyewitness to the risen Lord.