Acts 26 Devotional

Eyes Opened by the Risen Lord

“to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’”Acts 26:18 (BSB)

Paul stands before King Agrippa and asks a simple question: why should it seem unbelievable that God raises the dead (26:8)? Then he tells how he once did everything he could against the name of Jesus, locking up believers and voting for their deaths (26:9-11). On the road to Damascus, Jesus told him that fighting against him was only hurting Saul himself (26:14).

Jesus did not simply stop Saul. He sent him. He appointed Paul to open people's eyes and bring them out of darkness and out from under Satan's power to God, so they could be forgiven and share an inheritance with all who are made holy by trusting him (26:16-18). That is what salvation is in this chapter: rescue from one kingdom into another, the work of the risen Christ who brings light to Jews and Gentiles alike (26:23). Festus calls Paul insane, and Agrippa deflects. Paul answers that he wishes everyone listening would become what he is, except for the chains (26:29). The same Lord who opened Paul's eyes still opens eyes today.

To think about: Whose eyes do you long to see opened to Jesus, and how could you pray for them this week?