Devine Scripture

Acts 26:19

What does Acts 26:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 26:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 26:19 means

Paul affirms that he did not disobey the heavenly vision. He responded in faith and action to Christ’s call. This is not personal heroism but proper submission to divine authority. By framing his ministry as obedience, Paul grounds it in revelation, not ambition. He urges the court to see that his life since Damascus flows from that day’s command. The credibility of his witness rests on faithfulness to what he saw and heard. Conversion produces mission, and mission perseveres under trial because it is answerable to the Lord who spoke. Paul’s obedience is the reasonable response to the risen Jesus’ commissioning word.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So, then, King Agrippa, I did not go against the vision from heaven;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Whereupon, king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not incredulous to the heavenly vision.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Whereupon, king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision;

Context

After recounting the commission (vv.16–18), Paul transitions to its outworking in his ministry. Verses 19–20 summarize his obedience and the content of his preaching. This sets up the reason for Jewish opposition (v.21) and God’s help (v.22). The flow is: called and sent, obeyed and preached, opposed and preserved. Establishing obedience counters any suggestion that Paul’s message is self-invented or opportunistic.

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.

v.19This passage

v.20but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 20:9

    And if I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain.

  • Ezekiel 3:14

    So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and the hand of Jehovah was strong upon me.

  • Exodus 4:13

    And he said, Oh, Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.

  • Isaiah 50:5

    The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.

  • Ezekiel 2:7

    And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious.

  • Acts 26:26

    For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner.

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