Acts 26:17

Authorized King James Version

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Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Original Language Analysis

ἐξαιρούμενός Delivering G1807
ἐξαιρούμενός Delivering
Strong's: G1807
Word #: 1 of 13
actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release
σε thee G4571
σε thee
Strong's: G4571
Word #: 2 of 13
thee
ἐκ from G1537
ἐκ from
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 3 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ the people G2992
λαοῦ the people
Strong's: G2992
Word #: 5 of 13
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν from the Gentiles G1484
ἐθνῶν from the Gentiles
Strong's: G1484
Word #: 8 of 13
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
εἰς unto G1519
εἰς unto
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 9 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὓς whom G3739
οὓς whom
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 10 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
νῦν now G3568
νῦν now
Strong's: G3568
Word #: 11 of 13
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
σε thee G4571
σε thee
Strong's: G4571
Word #: 12 of 13
thee
ἀποστέλλω I send G649
ἀποστέλλω I send
Strong's: G649
Word #: 13 of 13
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

Analysis & Commentary

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles (ἐξαιρούμενός σε ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἐθνῶν)—God's promise of protection to Paul, using exairoumenos (rescuing, delivering), a present participle emphasizing continuous divine intervention. The people refers specifically to Israel, while the Gentiles encompasses all nations—Paul would face opposition from both. This parallels Christ's own rejection by Jews and Gentiles (Luke 23:12).

Unto whom now I send thee (εἰς οὓς ἐγώ σε ἀποστέλλω)—The verb apostellō (to send as an authorized agent) is the root of 'apostle.' Christ sends Paul to the very groups that will persecute him, modeling redemptive mission in the face of hostility. The deliverance promise precedes the commission, assuring Paul that opposition cannot thwart God's sovereign purposes (cf. Romans 8:31).

Historical Context

Spoken during Paul's Damascus road encounter (c. AD 34), this prophecy proved true throughout his ministry. Paul faced Jewish plots (Acts 9:23-24, 20:3, 23:12-15), Gentile riots (Acts 16:19-24, 19:23-41), and imprisonment, yet survived to testify before governors, kings, and eventually Caesar. He recounts this promise before Agrippa (c. AD 60) after 25+ years of fulfilled deliverance.

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