Acts 26:16

"“I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

Key Reflection

In Acts 26:16, Paul recounts his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. The verse captures a pivotal moment where Paul, who was actively persecuting Christians, asks a question that betrays his identity as an adversary of the faith. Jesus’ response identifies himself as “Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” revealing His divine authority and making clear that He recognizes Paul’s role in opposition to Him. This interaction underscores the dramatic turn in Paul's life from persecutor to apostle, highlighting the transformative power of Christ’s revelation.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. But rise, etc. The particulars mentioned in this verse and the two following are not recorded in the account of Paul's conversion in Ac 9. But it is not improbable that many circumstances may have occurred which are not recorded. Paul dwells on them here at length, in order particularly to show his authority for doing what he had done in preaching to the Gentiles. To make thee a minister. A minister of the gospel; a preacher of the truth. And a witness. See Barnes "Ac 22:15". Which thou hast seen. On the road to Damascus; that is, of the Lord Jesus, and of the fact that he was risen from the dead. And of those things, etc.

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