Thoughts on the book of Acts (185) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
Acts 26:9-13

Thoughts on the book of Acts (185)
In his report about his own life, Paul in no way spared himself. He told King Agrippa and the governor how he rejected Christianity before his conversion despite his strict religious upbringing. He understood his present opponents, having himself shared the prejudices of the Jewish leaders towards Jesus of Nazareth and persecuted the disciples with fanatical zeal.
Paul had considered the resurrection of Jesus "incredible". He had refused to believe the testimony of many Christians who had seen the risen Lord (, deeming it dangerous heresy that had to be thoroughly eradicated.
Then Paul told of the unexpected, radical change in his life: the heavenly outshining any natural light and his genuine encounter with Jesus, the risen Lord.
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: 1 Timothy 5