King James Version

What Does Acts 26:18 Mean?

Acts 26:18 in the King James Version says “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive... — study this verse from Acts chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 26:18 · KJV


Context

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.

19

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

20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Christ's Damascus road commission to Paul defines conversion's nature and gospel ministry's goal. Open their eyes (ἀνοῖξαι ὀφθαλμούς) pictures spiritual blindness needing divine cure. Turn from darkness to light and from power of Satan unto God emphasizes conversion as transfer between kingdoms (Colossians 1:13). Forgiveness of sins provides negative cleansing; inheritance among them which are sanctified gives positive standing. By faith that is in me makes Christ both message content and salvation's object.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's defense before King Agrippa (circa 59 AD), recounting his conversion and commission. This is Acts' third telling of Paul's Damascus road experience (also 9:1-19, 22:6-16), each emphasizing different elements for different audiences. Paul quotes Christ's commission, defining his three-decade ministry summarized in Romans 1:5: 'obedience to the faith among all nations.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual blindness manifest in people you know, and how can you help 'open their eyes'?
  2. What does transfer 'from the power of Satan unto God' reveal about salvation's cosmic dimensions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ἀνοῖξαι1 of 31

To open

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

ὀφθαλμοὺς2 of 31

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

αὐτοὺς3 of 31

that they

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦ4 of 31
G3588

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

ἐπιστρέψαι5 of 31

and to turn

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

ἀπὸ6 of 31

them from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

σκότους7 of 31

darkness

G4655

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

εἰς8 of 31

that is in

G1519

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

φῶς9 of 31

light

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

καὶ10 of 31

and

G2532

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

τῆς11 of 31
G3588

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

ἐξουσίας12 of 31

from the power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

τοῦ13 of 31
G3588

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

Σατανᾶ14 of 31

of Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

ἐπὶ15 of 31

unto

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

τὸν16 of 31
G3588

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

θεόν17 of 31

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῦ18 of 31
G3588

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

λαβεῖν19 of 31

may receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

αὐτοὺς20 of 31

that they

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἄφεσιν21 of 31

forgiveness

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon

ἁμαρτιῶν22 of 31

of sins

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

καὶ23 of 31

and

G2532

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

κλῆρον24 of 31

inheritance

G2819

a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)

ἐν25 of 31

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς26 of 31
G3588

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

ἡγιασμένοις27 of 31

them which are sanctified

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

πίστει28 of 31

by faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

τῇ29 of 31
G3588

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

εἰς30 of 31

that is in

G1519

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

ἐμέ31 of 31

me

G1691

me


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 26:18 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 26:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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