Acts 26:18
What does Acts 26:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 26:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 26:18 means
Jesus defines the mission’s aim: to open eyes, turn people from darkness to light and from Satan’s power to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Him. The gospel is transformative: it brings illumination, liberation, pardon, and belonging. Salvation is by faith in Jesus, not by works; holiness is the sphere of the new inheritance. This verse condenses the blessings promised to the fathers and fulfilled in Christ—the true Light to Jews and Gentiles. Paul’s message is not mere philosophy; it is God’s power to rescue and adopt sinners into His sanctified people through faith in the risen Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000to 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901to 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To make their eyes open, turning them from the dark to the light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may have forgiveness of sins and a heritage among those who are made holy by faith in me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to open their eyes, to turn <FI>them<Fi> from darkness to light, and <FI>from<Fi> the authority of the Adversary unto God, for their receiving forgiveness of sins, and a lot among those having been sanctified, by faith that <FI>is<Fi> toward me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To open their eyes, that they may be converted from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a lot among the saints, by the faith that is in me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan toGod, that they may receive remission of sins and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.
Context
This climactic statement completes the commission (vv.16–18). It explains why Paul preaches and what the gospel bestows. Immediately, Paul will testify that he obeyed this heavenly vision (v.19), describing his call to repentance for Jews and Gentiles (v.20). The opposition he faced (v.21) will be set against God’s sustaining help (v.22) and the prophetic foundation of his message (vv.22–23). Thus, v.18 provides the theological core of Paul’s mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 53:8
By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who among them considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due?
- 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Ephesians 4:18
being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart;
- Luke 1:77
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people In the remission of their sins,
- Isaiah 42:7
to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.
- Acts 15:9
and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
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