Acts 26:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 26:10
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Chapter Context
Acts 26 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, love, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 26:10
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Analysis
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem—Paul confirms his zealous persecution was not hearsay but personal action. Many of the saints did I shut up in prison (τοὺς ἁγίους, tous hagious)—the early believers are called "saints" (holy ones), the same term applied to God's covenant people. Paul's use of this title while confessing his persecution reveals his transformed understanding.
Having received authority from the chief priests (ἐξουσίαν...παρὰ τῶν ἀρχιερέων)—official Sanhedrin authorization, likely similar to the letters mentioned in Acts 9:2. When they were put to death, I gave my voice against them (κατήνεγκα ψῆφον)—literally "cast my vote/pebble." Whether Paul was a Sanhedrin member or simply consented (as with Stephen, Acts 8:1) is debated, but the phrase indicates active, deliberate complicity in capital sentences. The chief persecutor became Christianity's chief apostle—demonstrating the radical power of Christ's transforming grace.
Historical Context
Paul speaks before King Agrippa II (c. AD 59-60) in Caesarea, defending himself against Jewish accusations. His persecution of Christians occurred roughly 25-30 years earlier (c. AD 32-34), during the volatile period after Jesus's crucifixion when the Jerusalem church faced intense opposition from the Sanhedrin. Paul's authorization from the chief priests shows the persecution was systematic and officially sanctioned, not merely mob violence.
Reflection
- How does Paul's testimony of God's grace transforming him from chief persecutor to chief apostle encourage you about God's power to redeem anyone?
- What does Paul's use of the term "saints" for those he persecuted reveal about his changed perspective on who God's true people are?
Word Studies
- Holy: ἅγιος (Hagios) G40 - Holy, sacred, set apart