Acts 26:17
What does Acts 26:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:17 means
Jesus promises deliverance from both the Jewish people and the Gentiles, even as He sends Paul to the Gentiles. This paradox—protection amid opposition—marks apostolic ministry. Paul’s safety will not mean absence of trials but preservation through them. The mission’s scope is explicit: beyond Israel to the nations. This matches the breadth of God’s saving purpose announced through the prophets. The sender is the risen Lord; the message is not cultural novelty but divine commission. Paul’s later imprisonments and rescues fulfill this word. His confidence under pressure stems from this promise: the One who sends also keeps, advancing the gospel despite human resistance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I will keep you safe from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862delivering thee from the people, and the nations, to whom now I send thee,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Delivering thee from the people and from the nations unto which now I send thee:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890taking thee out from among the people, and the nations, to whom I send thee,
Context
Still within the commission, this verse frames the mission’s audience and divine protection. It links the command to go (v.16) with the purpose statement in v.18. Deliverance prepares for effectiveness: Paul will face hostility from both groups he engages. After the commission (vv.16–18), Paul will declare his obedience (v.19) and describe his preaching of repentance to Jews and Gentiles (v.20), explaining why opposition arose (v.21).
v.16But arise, and stand upon thy feet: for to this end have I appeared unto thee, to appoint thee a minister and a witness both of the things wherein thou hast seen me, and of the things wherein I will appear unto thee;
v.17This passage
v.18to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.
- 1 Timothy 2:7
whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
- Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:
- Acts 25:9
But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
- Acts 18:12
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,
- Acts 17:10
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Beroea: who when they were come thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
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