Acts 26:10-12
And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities. “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just admit he allowed Christians to be put to death; he claims he actively "cast his vote against them." This reveals his deep involvement, not just as a passive observer, but as an active participant in their condemnation, highlighting the shocking contrast with his later ministry. He even uses the term "saints" for those he persecuted, showing he acknowledged their holy status even as he fought against them.
Paul is recounting his life before his conversion to King Agrippa, detailing his zealous persecution of early Christians. He admits to actively imprisoning believers and even approving their executions after receiving authority from the chief priests. This stark confession highlights the radical transformation Jesus brought about in his life.
Paul doesn't pull any punches as he describes his pre-conversion life. He wasn't just present; he was actively involved in the persecution of early Christians.
When Paul stands before King Agrippa, he’s painting a picture of his former life with vivid, unflinching detail. He uses strong language to describe his zealous pursuit of the early church:
A Hunter's Authority
Paul explicitly states he "received authority from the chief priests" to arrest and imprison believers. This wasn't rogue action; it was sanctioned persecution.
Active Participation in Death
He goes even further, confessing that he "gave my vote against them" when Christians were put to death. While the exact mechanics of this 'vote' are debated (whether he was in the Sanhedrin or simply assenting to the condemnation), the impact is clear: he actively supported and approved of their executions. This wasn't passive agreement; it was enthusiastic endorsement of violence against fellow Jews who followed Jesus.
Paul refers to the Christians he persecuted as 'saints.' Why would he use such a holy term for people he was actively trying to destroy?
Paul’s use of the word 'saints' (Greek: 'hagios') is striking. This term, often translated as 'holy ones,' is used in the Old Testament for God's people and in the New Testament for believers set apart for God.
A Glimpse of God's Perspective
Even in his violent opposition, Paul acknowledges the spiritual reality of these believers. He recognized them as belonging to God, as 'holy ones,' despite his personal animosity and actions against them. This shows a remarkable honesty in his testimony; he's not just recounting his actions, but his perception of those he persecuted.
The Unchanging Identity
This term highlights that their identity as 'saints' was not dependent on Paul's approval or actions, but on their relationship with God. His intense persecution was, in effect, an assault on God's own chosen people, a fact that would become devastatingly clear to him on the road to Damascus.
Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Believers in Christ; those who are set apart by God for His service and have been sanctified through faith.
archiereus · Greek Noun
Religious leaders in Jerusalem who held ecclesiastical and legal authority over the Jewish people, often involved in the legal proceedings against Christians.
timōreō · Greek Verb
The act of inflicting penalty or retribution for an offense; in a biblical context, it often refers to suffering endured for the sake of faith or, as here, the act of causing such suffering to believers.
blasphēmeō · Greek Verb
To speak irreverently or profanely about God or sacred things; it denotes an act of defiant hostility against the divine or the things of God.
Paul, when recounting his pre-conversion life to King Agrippa, doesn't shy away from the brutal reality of his zealous persecution of early Christians in Jerusalem, revealing the depth of his former opposition and the dramatic transformation he underwent.
c. AD 30-33
Stoning of Stephen
Stephen, a prominent early Christian deacon, is stoned to death in Jerusalem. Saul of Tarsus is present and approves of his death, holding the cloaks of the executioners.
c. AD 33-35— this verse
Saul's Persecution in Jerusalem
Saul, acting with authority from the chief priests, actively persecutes the early church in Jerusalem, imprisoning many believers and consenting to their deaths.
c. AD 35
Saul's Journey to Damascus
Saul travels to Damascus with official authorization to arrest Christians, but experiences a dramatic conversion on the road when he encounters the risen Jesus.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
After his conversion, Paul, as he is now known, embarks on extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches among both Jews and Gentiles.
This passage directly corroborates Paul's statement in Acts 26:10, describing his initial, violent persecution of the early church in Jerusalem and his role in imprisoning believers.
Galatians 1:13-14Paul recounts his past zeal for Judaism and his intense persecution of the church, mirroring the fierce commitment he describes in Acts 26:10 before his conversion.
1 Corinthians 15:9Paul refers to himself as the 'least of the apostles' because he 'persecuted the church of God,' which powerfully echoes the severity of his actions mentioned in Acts 26:10.
Philippians 3:6Here, Paul speaks of his former 'zeal according to law' and his persecution of the church, providing a personal reflection on the same destructive fervor detailed in Acts 26:10.
gillActs 26:10: "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."
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem,.... The metropolis of Judea, where he had had his education, and was well known; here he consented to the death of Stephen, and held the clothes of the witnesses while they stoned him; and here he haled men and women out of their houses, and committe…
henryActs 26:1-11: "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:"
26:1-11 Christianity teaches us to give a reason of the hope that is in us, and also to give honour to whom honour is due, without flattery or fear of man. Agrippa was well versed in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, therefore could the better judge as to the controversy about Jesus being the Messiah. Surely ministers may expect, when they preach…
Paul doesn't just admit he allowed Christians to be put to death; he claims he actively "cast his vote against them." This reveals his deep involvement, not just as a passive observer, but as an active participant in their condemnation, highlighting the shocking contrast with his later ministry. He even uses the term "saints" for those he persecuted, showing he acknowledged their holy status even as he fought against them.
Paul is recounting his life before his conversion to King Agrippa, detailing his zealous persecution of early Christians. He admits to actively imprisoning believers and even approving their executions after receiving authority from the chief priests. This stark confession highlights the radical transformation Jesus brought about in his life.
Paul is recounting his life before his conversion to King Agrippa, detailing his zealous persecution of early Christians. He admits to actively imprisoning believers and even approving their executions after receiving authority from the chief priests. This stark confession highlights the radical transformation Jesus brought about in his life.
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diōkō · Greek Verb
To pursue with hostile intent, harass, or oppress, specifically because of one’s religious convictions or loyalty to Christ.
exousia · Greek Noun
The legal power, right, or permission given to an individual to act on behalf of an institution or authority, often used in the New Testament to describe the legitimacy of one's office or mission.
epitropē · Greek Noun
An official task, charge, or mandate given to someone to perform a specific duty or mission, carrying the backing of the sender.
c. AD 57-58
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent defense before various authorities, Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea for about two years.
c. AD 60
Paul's Appeal to Caesar
Paul appeals his case to Emperor Nero, leading to his voyage to Rome.
"And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and…" — Paul doesn't just admit he allowed Christians to be put to death; he claims he actively "cast his vote against them." This reveals his deep involvement, not just as a passive observer, but as an ac…
