Acts 26:9 - Paul's Testimony to Agrippa
New International Version
“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.New Living Translation
“I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene.English Standard Version
“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Berean Standard Bible
So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I indeed in myself thought I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,King James Bible
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.New King James Version
“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.New American Standard Bible
“So I thought to myself that I had to act in strong opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.NASB 1995
“So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.NASB 1977
“So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Legacy Standard Bible
“So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.Amplified Bible
“So then, I [once] thought to myself that it was my duty to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Christian Standard Bible
In fact, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Holman Christian Standard Bible
In fact, I myself supposed it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.American Standard Version
I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Contemporary English Version
I once thought that I should do everything I could to oppose Jesus from Nazareth. English Revised Version
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I used to think that I had to do a lot of things to oppose the one named Jesus of Nazareth.Good News Translation
"I myself thought that I should do everything I could against the cause of Jesus of Nazareth. International Standard Version
Indeed, I myself thought it my duty to take extreme measures against the name of Jesus from Nazareth.Majority Standard Bible
So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.NET Bible
Of course, I myself was convinced that it was necessary to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.New Heart English Bible
"In fact, I thought to myself that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus the Nazorean.Webster's Bible Translation
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Weymouth New Testament
"I myself, however, thought it a duty to do many things in hostility to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene.World English Bible
“I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I indeed, therefore, thought with myself that it was necessary [for me] to do many things against the Name of Jesus of Nazareth,Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I indeed in myself thought I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,Young's Literal Translation
I, indeed, therefore, thought with myself, that against the name of Jesus of Nazareth it behoved me many things to do,Smith's Literal Translation
I therefore truly thought to myself, I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarite.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I indeed did formerly think, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Catholic Public Domain Version
And certainly, I myself formerly considered that I ought to act in many ways which are contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.New American Bible
I myself once thought that I had to do many things against the name of Jesus the Nazorean,New Revised Standard Version
“Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For I at the very beginning was determined that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For I had previously set my mind that I would commit many things contrary to the name of Yeshua the Nazarene.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus the Nazarene.Godbey New Testament
Moreover indeed, I thought to myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene:Haweis New Testament
I indeed then thought in myself, that I ought to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarean.Mace New Testament
I myself too once thought myself oblig'd strenuously to oppose the professors of Jesus the Nazarene, as I actually did at Jerusalem,Weymouth New Testament
"I myself, however, thought it a duty to do many things in hostility to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene.Worrell New Testament
I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene;Worsley New Testament
I indeed once thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene:Additional Translations ...
So then, I too was convinced
This phrase reflects Paul's personal conviction and mindset before his conversion. It highlights the sincerity and intensity of his beliefs as a Pharisee. Paul, originally named Saul, was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and law, which shaped his initial opposition to the early Christian movement. His conviction was not based on ignorance but on a zealous adherence to the Jewish faith, which he believed was being threatened by the teachings of Jesus.
that I ought to do all I could
Paul's sense of duty and obligation is evident here. His actions were driven by a strong sense of responsibility to protect the Jewish faith from what he perceived as heretical teachings. This phrase underscores the lengths to which Paul was willing to go, including persecution and imprisonment of Christians, as seen in Acts 8:3 and Acts 9:1-2. His zeal is comparable to that of Phinehas in Numbers 25:11, who acted out of zeal for God's honor.
to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
The "name of Jesus of Nazareth" signifies not just the person of Jesus but His authority, teachings, and the movement that followed Him. Nazareth, a town in Galilee, was often looked down upon (John 1:46), yet it became central to Jesus' identity. Paul's opposition was not merely against a group of people but against the very foundation of the Christian faith. This opposition is a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in John 15:18-21, where He warned His disciples of persecution for His name's sake. Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ, as later detailed in Acts 9:3-6.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)
A Pharisee and zealous persecutor of Christians who later became a devoted apostle of Jesus Christ. In Acts 26, Paul is recounting his past actions and transformation before King Agrippa.
2. Jesus of Nazareth
Central figure of Christianity, whom Paul initially opposed. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith.
3. King Agrippa
The ruler before whom Paul is making his defense. Agrippa is knowledgeable about Jewish customs and controversies, making him a significant audience for Paul's testimony.
4. Jerusalem
The city where much of the early Christian persecution, including Paul's actions, took place. It is also the location of significant events in Jesus' life and ministry.
5. The Early Church
The community of believers in Jesus Christ who faced persecution from Jewish authorities, including Paul before his conversion.
Teaching Points
Zeal Without Knowledge
Paul's initial zeal to oppose Jesus was based on a misunderstanding of God's will. This highlights the danger of fervor without true understanding.
Transformation Through Christ
Paul's life is a testament to the transformative power of encountering Jesus. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace.
The Importance of Testimony
Paul's recounting of his past and conversion serves as a powerful testimony to others. Sharing personal accounts of faith can be a compelling witness.
Opposition to Truth
Like Paul, many may oppose the truth of the Gospel out of ignorance or tradition. Patience and prayer are essential in witnessing to such individuals.
God's Sovereignty in Redemption
Despite Paul's opposition, God had a plan for his life. This reassures believers that God can use even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Acts 26Why does Acts record different versions of Paul’s conversion story?When Paul saw the light he fell to the ground. Did his traveling companions also fall to the ground? Yes (Acts 26:14) No (Acts 9:7)Did the voice immediately specify Paul's duties? Yes (Acts 26:16-18) or No, he was told to go to Damascus for instructions (Acts 9:7; 22:10)?Is Paul's reported encounter and voice from heaven in Acts 26:14-15 verifiable, or merely subjective experience?
(9) I verily thought with myself . . .--The words have a tone of considerate sympathy and hope. He himself had been led from unbelief to faith; he will not despair of a like transition for others, even for Agrippa. (Comp. 1Timothy 1:12-17.) On the relation of this account of the Apostle's conversion to previous narratives, see Notes on Acts 9:1-20.
Verse 9. - I verily. He gently excuses their unbelief by confessing that he himself had once felt like them, and insinuates the hope that they would change their minds as he had, and proceeds to give them good reason for doing so. Contrary to the Name (Galatians 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:13). Jesus of Nazareth. By so designating the Lord of glory, he avows himself a member of "the sect of the Nazarenes" (see Acts 2:22; Acts 3:6; Acts 4:10; Acts 10:33, etc.). Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
So then,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.
I
Ἐγὼ (Egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
[too]
ἐμαυτῷ (emautō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1683: Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'.
was convinced that
ἔδοξα (edoxa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.
I ought
δεῖν (dein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.
to do
πρᾶξαι (praxai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4238: To do, perform, accomplish; be in any condition, i.e. I fare; I exact, require.
all [I could]
πολλὰ (polla)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.
to oppose
ἐναντία (enantia)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1727: Opposite, opposed, contrary; the adversary. From enanti; opposite; figuratively, antagonistic.
the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.
name
ὄνομα (onoma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.
of Jesus
Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
of Nazareth.
Ναζωραίου (Nazōraiou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3480: A Nazarene, an inhabitant of Nazareth. From Nazareth; a Nazoraean, i.e. Inhabitant of Nazareth; by extension, a Christian.
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Acts 26:9 Catholic BibleNT Apostles: Acts 26:9 I myself most certainly thought that (Acts of the Apostles Ac)