“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul's powerful statement wasn't just about opposing Jesus; it reveals a key insight into how conviction works. He thought he ought to act against Jesus, highlighting that even genuine, conscientious belief can lead someone to do immense harm when they're simply wrong. This underscores that unwavering personal conviction alone isn't the ultimate test of truth.
“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is recounting his dramatic conversion to King Agrippa, describing his former life as a fierce persecutor of Christians. He explains that he was not a reluctant participant but was genuinely convinced he was doing God's work by opposing Jesus and his followers. This serves as a powerful contrast to his current apostleship, aiming to show Agrippa how a zealous opponent could be transformed by a divine encounter.
Paul starts his defense by admitting he was once utterly convinced he was doing God's work by fighting Jesus. How can someone be so sure they're right, yet be so wrong?
Paul's testimony here is powerful because he doesn't minimize his past actions. He states, 'I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus.' This wasn't a casual disagreement; it was a deeply held conviction. He genuinely believed he was serving God by persecuting Christians.
Why does Paul focus on 'the name of Jesus of Nazareth'? What's so significant about a name that he felt compelled to oppose it so fiercely?
In the ancient world, a name carried immense weight. It represented a person's character, authority, and essence. When Paul speaks of opposing 'the name of Jesus of Nazareth,' he's not just talking about a person; he's talking about everything Jesus represented and claimed to be.
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Understand the original words
onoma · Greek Noun
Used here to represent the person, authority, nature, and reputation of Jesus Christ as the singular focus of faith and the object of opposition.
Paul's intense, conscientious opposition to Jesus' followers stemmed from a deep-seated belief that he was serving God. His powerful testimony to King Agrippa highlights that even the most fervent persecutors can be transformed by the truth of the Gospel.
c. AD 30-33
Stephen's Martyrdom
Stephen, a follower of Jesus, is stoned to death by a crowd incited by religious leaders. This event marks the beginning of intense persecution against the early Christian church in Jerusalem.
c. AD 33-36— this verse
Saul's Persecution of the Church
Saul (later Paul) actively persecutes the followers of Jesus, entering houses, arresting believers, and throwing them into prison. He is deeply convinced that this is his duty to God.
c. AD 36
Paul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus
While on his way to arrest Christians in Damascus, Saul has a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus. This event radically transforms his life and mission.
c. AD 45-49
First Missionary Journey
Paul, now a fervent apostle, embarks on his first major missionary journey with Barnabas, spreading the Gospel to Gentile communities in Asia Minor.
c. AD 50
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial meeting where church leaders debate whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The council affirms that salvation is by grace through faith, not by adherence to the Law.
c. AD 53-57
Third Missionary Journey
Paul's extensive travels continue, with a significant focus on Ephesus, where he strengthens churches and confronts opposition to the Gospel.
c. AD 60
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. During this time, he writes several epistles, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
This passage directly echoes Paul's previous life, stating he 'was formerly a persecutor of the church and a violent aggressor against it.' This highlights the intensity of his opposition before his conversion, mirroring the sentiment in Acts 26:9.
Philippians 3:6Paul describes his former zeal in persecuting the church, calling himself 'blameless' under the law. This connects with Acts 26:9 by showing the deeply held conviction and perceived righteousness he felt in his opposition to Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:13In this verse, Paul speaks of himself as 'formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an aggressor.' This directly parallels his confession in Acts 26:9, emphasizing his active and hostile stance against Christians.
Acts 9:5When Jesus first confronts Paul on the road to Damascus, He asks, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.' This exchange directly relates to Paul's admission in Acts 26:9, showing the personal impact of his actions against Jesus' followers.
ellicottActs 26:9: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth."
(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 .
barnesActs 26:9: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth."
I verily thought - I indeed μὲν men supposed. Paul here commences the account of his conversion, and states the evidence on which he judged that he was called of God to do what he had done. He begins by saying that it was not because he was originally disposed to be a Christian, but that he was violently and conscientiously opposed to Jesus of Nazareth, and had been converted w…
Paul's powerful statement wasn't just about opposing Jesus; it reveals a key insight into how conviction works. He thought he ought to act against Jesus, highlighting that even genuine, conscientious belief can lead someone to do immense harm when they're simply wrong. This underscores that unwavering personal conviction alone isn't the ultimate test of truth.
Paul is recounting his dramatic conversion to King Agrippa, describing his former life as a fierce persecutor of Christians. He explains that he was not a reluctant participant but was genuinely convinced he was doing God's work by opposing Jesus and his followers. This serves as a powerful contrast to his current apostleship, aiming to show Agrippa how a zealous opponent could be transformed by a divine encounter.
Paul is recounting his dramatic conversion to King Agrippa, describing his former life as a fierce persecutor of Christians. He explains that he was not a reluctant participant but was genuinely convinced he was doing God's work by opposing Jesus and his followers. This serves as a powerful contrast to his current apostleship, aiming to show Agrippa how a zealous opponent could be transformed by a divine encounter.
"“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth." — Paul's powerful statement wasn't just about opposing Jesus; it reveals a key insight into how conviction works. He thought he ought to act against Jesus, highlighting that even genuine, conscientio…
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Last reviewed October 2026