to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Acts 26:18 WEB
These words come from Paul’s defense of charges leveled against him by the Sanhedrin. Religious leaders accused him of starting riots, desecrating the temple, and leading an unauthorized cult. Paul defends himself in front of King Agrippa explaining his background as a Pharisee as well as his conversion on the road to Damascus.
In his defense, Paul describes meeting Jesus on his way to Damascus saying that he saw a light from the sky brighter than the sun. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the light saying in John 8:12, “”I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life. WEB” Paul recounts to Agrippa how the voice of Christ questioned him for persecuting the early church.
The Truth of Christ
Blinded by the great light of Christ and transformed by the gospel message, Paul stopped pursuing and persecuting Christians. Instead, he began serving Christ and teaching the truth of Christ to Jews and Gentiles alike.
In his encounter with Paul, the Lord says, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. WEB” Paul relates his persecution of Christians to Agrippa and offers his conversion story to explain why he leads the movement to spread the gospel message.
With words spoken by Jesus, “that they may turn from darkness to light,” Paul takes the opportunity of his trial before the king to spread the truth of the gospel message. Although in chains and facing death, the power of his encounter with Christ encouraged the great apostle to continue his work of making the promise of salvation known to the world.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your saving grace. Increase my faith. Give me the strength to endure until the end. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Truth
