King James Version

What Does Acts 26:16 Mean?

Acts 26:16 in the King James Version says “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;”

Acts 26:16 · King James Version


Context

14

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18

To 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.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But rise, and stand upon thy feet—Christ's command echoes Ezekiel 2:1, where the prophet received his commission. The Greek ἀνάστηθι (anastēthi, stand up) and στῆθι (stēthi, stand) emphasize immediate obedience and readiness for service.

I have appeared unto thee for this purpose (εἰς τοῦτο ὤφθην σοι)—Jesus declares Paul's Damascus Road encounter was purposeful, not accidental. To make thee a minister and a witness (ὑπηρέτην καὶ μάρτυρα)—The word ὑπηρέτης (hupēretēs) means 'under-rower,' a subordinate servant, while μάρτυς (martus) became the root of 'martyr.' Paul's apostleship derives directly from Christ's resurrection appearances, validating his authority equal to the Twelve. Both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee—Paul's testimony would include both his Damascus experience and future revelations (2 Corinthians 12:1-4), establishing him as eyewitness to the risen Lord.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul recounts this before King Agrippa II (circa AD 59-60) as his defense against Jewish accusations. This is the third account of his conversion in Acts (9:1-19, 22:6-16, 26:12-18), each emphasizing different aspects. The setting before Herod Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great, placed Paul's testimony before Roman-Jewish royalty in Caesarea.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's direct commissioning of Paul challenge our understanding of apostolic authority and calling?
  2. What does it mean to be both a 'minister' (servant) and a 'witness' (martyr) in your context today?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 25

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἀνάστηθι2 of 25

“rise”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

καὶ3 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

στῆθι4 of 25

“stand”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ5 of 25

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς6 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόδας7 of 25

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σου·8 of 25

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

εἰς9 of 25

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦτο10 of 25

“this purpose”

G5124

that thing

γὰρ11 of 25

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὀφθήσομαί12 of 25

“I have appeared”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

σοι13 of 25

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

προχειρίσασθαί14 of 25

“to make”

G4400

to handle for oneself in advance, i.e., (figuratively) to purpose

σε15 of 25

“thee”

G4571

thee

ὑπηρέτην16 of 25

“a minister”

G5257

an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)

καὶ17 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μάρτυρα18 of 25

“a witness”

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

ὧν19 of 25

“of these things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τε20 of 25

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

εἶδές21 of 25

“thou hast seen”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὧν22 of 25

“of these things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τε23 of 25

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ὀφθήσομαί24 of 25

“I have appeared”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

σοι25 of 25

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 26:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 26:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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