Sermons on Acts 26:17-18

Acts 26:17-18 Interpretation:

Walking in the Light of Jesus' Love (Paradox Church) interprets Acts 26:17-18 through the extended metaphor of light as both exposure and healing, drawing on analogies from photography, lasers, and even Polaroid cameras. The sermon uniquely emphasizes that the light of Christ not only exposes sin and need (as the law does) but also reveals the grace and hope of God. The preacher likens the exposure of sin to a laser in the hands of a surgeon—potentially destructive in the wrong hands, but healing in the hands of Jesus. The sermon also uses the analogy of a refrigerator light to illustrate how exposure is necessary to see what is truly needed, and the Polaroid metaphor to show how beauty and color only emerge in the light. This interpretation stands out for its creative, multi-layered use of light as both a diagnostic and restorative force, and for its focus on the emotional experience of exposure leading to transformation and hope.

Revealing God's Wisdom: The Church's Role in Salvation (Alistair Begg) offers a notable insight by contrasting the external blinding light Paul experienced on the Damascus Road with the "eternal light" that shone into his heart, suggesting that the true miracle is the internal illumination that brings spiritual sight. The sermon stresses that the opening of eyes and turning from darkness to light is not a self-initiated act but a divine intervention, and it frames Acts 26:17-18 as a paradigm for the church's mission to proclaim the gospel so that others may experience this same internal transformation. The preacher also highlights the linguistic detail that the passage is not about self-improvement or moral rearrangement, but about a radical, God-initiated change of position from darkness to light.

Rescuing Joy: Our Mission Against Modern Slavery (Desiring God) interprets Acts 26:17-18 as a commission that is humanly impossible—God sends Paul (and by extension, believers) to "open their eyes," a task only God can accomplish. The sermon is gripped by the impossibility and the divine empowerment implied in the commission, emphasizing that the missionary task is to be an agent through whom God does the supernatural work of transferring people from darkness to light and from Satan to God. This interpretation is unique in its focus on the paradox of being sent to do what only God can do, and in its application to the global missionary mandate.

Living in Light: The Power of Prayer and Thanksgiving (Desiring God) provides a linguistic and thematic insight by connecting Paul's commission in Acts 26:17-18 directly to the language of Colossians 1:12-13, noting the parallel use of "inheritance" and "sanctified" (saints). The sermon highlights that Paul's prayer for believers to give thanks for their inheritance in light is a direct outworking of his commission to turn people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. This interpretation is notable for its close reading of the Greek terms and its emphasis on the continuity between Paul's commission and his prayers for the church.

Awakening to the Glory of Christ: The Gospel's Power (Desiring God) interprets Acts 26:17-18 as a profound paradox in the Christian mission: God sends human messengers to do what only God himself can do—open blind eyes, turn people from darkness to light, and liberate them from Satan’s power. The sermon draws a unique analogy between the creation account (“let there be light”) and conversion, arguing that just as only God could create light, only God can create spiritual sight, yet he chooses to do so through human proclamation. The preacher emphasizes the “clay pot” metaphor, highlighting human inadequacy and God’s sufficiency, and frames the commission as both a relief and a challenge: we are essential instruments, but the miracle is God’s alone. This sermon stands out for its insistence that God will not “vertically drop” regeneration on people but always works through the gospel spoken by human beings, making the human role both indispensable and dependent.

Awakening to Light: Our Role in Transformation (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation by connecting Acts 26:17-18 to the metaphor of waking a sleeper. The preacher likens the act of calling someone to spiritual life (“wake up, rise from the dead”) to the miracle of opening blind eyes and turning from darkness to light. The sermon uniquely stresses that the human call to “wake up” is itself the instrument God uses to perform the miracle, and that Christ’s shining “on you” transforms the person into light, not merely illuminating their path. The analogy of the sun shining on a person’s face, making them light, is a fresh metaphor for the transformation described in Acts 26:17-18.

Revealing God's Grand Plan: Unity in Christ (Desiring God) interprets Acts 26:17-18 through the lens of Paul’s apostolic commission, highlighting a “double meaning” in the phrase “to open their eyes.” The sermon distinguishes between the objective revelation (the apostolic message) and the subjective illumination (the Spirit’s work in the heart), arguing that Paul’s task—and by extension, the church’s—is both to declare the revealed mystery and to pray for supernatural enlightenment. This dual approach is presented as essential to understanding the commission in Acts 26:17-18, and the sermon is notable for its linguistic attention to the Greek word for “enlighten” and its application to both proclamation and prayer.

God's Providence: Empowering Evangelism and Missions (Desiring God) interprets Acts 26:17-18 as a paradigm for the relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency in evangelism. The sermon underscores the impossibility of the task—opening blind eyes and liberating from Satan—yet insists that God’s providence guarantees both the necessity and the success of human evangelism. The preacher frames the commission as a “double miracle”: the miracle of obedience in the messenger and the miracle of conversion in the hearer, both wrought by God but enacted through human means. This perspective is unique in its explicit focus on providence as the enabling force behind both the sending and the success of missions.

Trusting God's Providence: Hope in Suffering and Joy (Desiring God) interprets Acts 26:17-18 as a direct challenge to the notion of ultimate human self-determination in conversion. The sermon asserts that the commission to “open their eyes” and “turn from darkness to light” is humanly impossible, yet God ordains that it be accomplished through evangelism and missions. The preacher emphasizes that the instruments (human messengers) are not the miracle, but their obedience is itself a miracle of providence. The sermon’s distinctive contribution is its argument that the unstoppable providence of God is not a barrier to evangelism but its only hope, and that the miracle of conversion is always accompanied by the miracle of God’s work in the messenger.

Captivated by God: The Glory of the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) interprets Acts 26:17-18 through the lens of spiritual sight and the ultimate good of the gospel, though the passage itself is not directly quoted or expounded in detail. The sermon’s unique insight is its focus on the idea that the heart of the gospel is not merely justification, forgiveness, or rescue from hell, but the opening of spiritual eyes to see and savor the glory of God in the face of Christ. The preacher uses the analogy of a relationship—specifically, the restoration of intimacy after forgiveness in marriage—to illustrate that forgiveness is not an end in itself, but a means to restored relationship and enjoyment of the beloved. This analogy is used to argue that all the benefits of the gospel (justification, forgiveness, eternal life) are ultimately valuable only insofar as they lead to the enjoyment of God Himself. The sermon draws a parallel between the language of “opening eyes” in Acts 26:18 and the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” in 2 Corinthians 4:6, suggesting that the true conversion is a supernatural act where God opens blind eyes to His glory, which is the ultimate aim of the gospel.

Acts 26:17-18 Theological Themes:

Walking in the Light of Jesus' Love (Paradox Church) introduces the theme that exposure to the light of Christ is not merely about judgment or condemnation, but about the revelation of grace, hope, and beauty. The sermon adds the fresh angle that the law, when wielded by Jesus, functions as a healing laser rather than a weapon, and that true transformation begins with the vulnerability of being exposed in the light. The preacher also develops the idea that the light of Christ reveals not only our need but also the true character of God as gracious and loving, countering cultural misconceptions of God as primarily judgmental.

Revealing God's Wisdom: The Church's Role in Salvation (Alistair Begg) presents the distinct theological theme that the light of the gospel fundamentally reorients a person's entire worldview, not just their spiritual status. The sermon explores how the transition from darkness to light changes one's understanding of history, meaning, and purpose, contrasting the nihilism of secular thinkers with the hope and coherence found in Christ as the center of history. This theme is developed with reference to the cosmic scope of Christ's work and the church's role in manifesting God's wisdom to both good and evil spiritual powers.

Rescuing Joy: Our Mission Against Modern Slavery (Desiring God) offers the unique theological theme that the missionary mandate of Acts 26:17-18 is rooted in the invincible joy of friendship with Jesus. The sermon asserts that the energy and goal of missions is not merely rescue from suffering, but the impartation of everlasting joy in Christ. This adds a new facet to the theme of light overcoming darkness by framing the ultimate aim as joy, not just deliverance.

Living in Light: The Power of Prayer and Thanksgiving (Desiring God) brings a nuanced theological angle by emphasizing that the inheritance of the saints in light is both a present reality and a future hope, secured by adoption and preservation in faith. The sermon connects the commission of Acts 26:17-18 to the ongoing work of God in qualifying believers for their inheritance, highlighting the interplay between divine action and human endurance.

Awakening to the Glory of Christ: The Gospel's Power (Desiring God) introduces the theme of “clay pot” ministry, where human weakness is not a hindrance but a design feature that magnifies God’s power in conversion. The sermon adds the nuanced idea that God’s refusal to bypass human agency in salvation is not a limitation but a deliberate strategy to display his glory through frail vessels, making the act of evangelism both humbling and emboldening.

Awakening to Light: Our Role in Transformation (Desiring God) presents the unusual theological theme that the human call to spiritual awakening (“wake up, rise from the dead”) is not merely a command but the very means God uses to effect the miracle of new birth. The sermon’s fresh angle is its insistence that the transformation is not just from darkness to light, but from being darkness to becoming light, as Christ’s presence fundamentally changes the believer’s nature.

Revealing God's Grand Plan: Unity in Christ (Desiring God) develops the theme of the “double agency” in salvation: the necessity of both objective proclamation and subjective illumination. The sermon’s unique facet is its assertion that the apostolic commission is incomplete without prayer for enlightenment, making intercession as essential as preaching in the fulfillment of Acts 26:17-18.

God's Providence: Empowering Evangelism and Missions (Desiring God) advances the theme that evangelism and missions are not only the means of conversion but themselves miracles of providence. The sermon’s distinct contribution is its claim that the obedience of the messenger is as much a work of God’s providence as the conversion of the hearer, reframing the entire process as a double miracle.

Trusting God's Providence: Hope in Suffering and Joy (Desiring God) adds the theological theme that the doctrine of providence, far from undermining evangelism, is its foundation and hope. The sermon’s new angle is its argument that the miracle of conversion is inseparable from the miracle of God’s work in the messenger, and that the absence of ultimate human self-determination is what makes prayer and evangelism meaningful and effective.

Captivated by God: The Glory of the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinct theological theme that the ultimate good of the gospel is not the removal of sin, wrath, or even the gift of eternal life, but the gift of God Himself—specifically, the ability to see, savor, and be satisfied by the glory of God in Christ. The sermon insists that all other gospel benefits are means to this end, and that without this spiritual sight and delight, one is not truly saved. This theme is developed with the fresh angle that even the most cherished doctrines (justification, forgiveness, eternal life) are not ends in themselves but are valuable only as they remove obstacles to beholding and enjoying God. The preacher’s use of the marriage analogy (wanting the spouse back, not just the removal of guilt) adds a new facet to the discussion of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Acts 26:17-18 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Revealing God's Wisdom: The Church's Role in Salvation (Alistair Begg) provides historical context by situating Paul's testimony in Acts 26 before King Agrippa, noting the significance of Paul's dual audience (Jews and Gentiles) and the radical nature of his commission in the context of first-century religious and cultural divisions. The sermon also references the cosmic drama of salvation as understood in the early church, with angels and spiritual powers as spectators to God's unfolding plan. This contextualization helps listeners appreciate the revolutionary scope of Paul's mission and the church's role in manifesting God's wisdom across spiritual and earthly realms.

Revealing God's Grand Plan: Unity in Christ (Desiring God) provides historical context by explaining that the “mystery” revealed to Paul was hidden for ages in God and only disclosed in the fullness of time. The sermon notes that the inclusion of the Gentiles and the summing up of all things in Christ were not late additions but part of God’s eternal plan, and that the delay in revelation was purposeful, rooted in God’s sovereignty as Creator. This context helps explain why Paul’s commission in Acts 26:17-18 is so radical: it marks the unveiling of a plan long concealed from previous generations.

Acts 26:17-18 Cross-References in the Bible:

Walking in the Light of Jesus' Love (Paradox Church) cross-references John 8 (Jesus as the light of the world and the story of the woman caught in adultery), Romans 2:4 (God's kindness leads to repentance), Isaiah 9:2,7 (the people walking in darkness have seen a great light), and 1 John 4:18 (perfect love casts out fear). These passages are used to expand on the meaning of light as exposure, grace, and hope, and to show that Jesus' light reveals both human need and God's gracious character. The sermon also references the law (the Torah) to explain the function of exposure and the need for grace.

Revealing God's Wisdom: The Church's Role in Salvation (Alistair Begg) references Ephesians 1 and 3 (the mystery of God's will, the uniting of all things in Christ, and the church as the display of God's wisdom), 1 Peter 1:12 (angels longing to look into salvation), and 1 Corinthians 1 (the wisdom of God versus the wisdom of the world). These cross-references are used to support the idea that the light of the gospel is a cosmic revelation, not just a personal experience, and that the church's mission is to make known God's manifold wisdom to both earthly and heavenly beings.

The Obedience of Faith: Glorifying Christ Together (MLJTrust) references Acts 26 (Paul's commission to both Jews and Gentiles), Romans 1:16 (the gospel as the power of God for all who believe), Ephesians 2 (the breaking down of the wall between Jews and Gentiles), John 12 (Jesus drawing all people to himself), and various Old Testament passages (e.g., Simeon's prophecy, the Psalms) to argue for the universality of the gospel and the glory of Christ as the ultimate aim of missions. These references are used to reinforce the theme of the gospel's reach to all nations and the glorification of Christ.

Rescuing Joy: Our Mission Against Modern Slavery (Desiring God) cross-references Colossians 1:13 (delivered from the domain of darkness), Ephesians 6:12 (spiritual warfare against darkness), John 8:12 (Jesus as the light of the world), 2 Thessalonians 1-2 (the final defeat of darkness at Christ's return), Matthew 5:14 (believers as the light of the world), and various Psalms (the call to joy for all nations). These passages are used to frame the missionary task as a battle against darkness, culminating in the joy of all peoples in Christ.

Living in Light: The Power of Prayer and Thanksgiving (Desiring God) cross-references Colossians 1:12-13 (inheritance in light), Acts 26:17-18 (Paul's commission), and the Gospel of Matthew (outer darkness as the destiny of unbelief). The sermon uses these references to draw a direct line between Paul's commission and the believer's inheritance, emphasizing the continuity of God's saving work.

Awakening to the Glory of Christ: The Gospel's Power (Desiring God) cross-references 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, drawing parallels between the blindness described there and the commission in Acts 26:17-18. The sermon also references Genesis 1 (“let there be light”) to illustrate the miracle of conversion, Colossians 1:24 (“I complete in my sufferings what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”) to explain the role of suffering in displaying the gospel, and 2 Timothy 2:24-26 to reinforce the necessity of patient teaching and God’s granting of repentance. Each reference is used to expand on the idea that human effort is essential but insufficient without God’s miraculous intervention.

Awakening to Light: Our Role in Transformation (Desiring God) references Ephesians 2:4-5 to describe spiritual death and resurrection, and 2 Corinthians 4 to explain the shining of Christ’s light in the heart. These passages are used to support the claim that the human call to “wake up” is the means by which God brings about spiritual awakening, and that the transformation is from darkness to light, echoing the language of Acts 26:17-18.

Revealing God's Grand Plan: Unity in Christ (Desiring God) cross-references Ephesians 1 (the prayer for enlightened hearts), Ephesians 2 (the tearing down of the dividing wall), and Ephesians 3 (the mystery of Jew and Gentile unity) to situate Acts 26:17-18 within the broader narrative of God’s plan to unite all things in Christ. The references are used to show that Paul’s commission is both the revelation of a mystery and the means by which God’s larger plan is enacted.

God's Providence: Empowering Evangelism and Missions (Desiring God) references Romans 10:13-17 (“faith comes by hearing”), 1 Peter 1:23 (“born again through the living and abiding word”), Acts 16:14 (the Lord opening Lydia’s heart), Matthew 16:18 (“I will build my church”), and Matthew 24:14 (“this gospel will be proclaimed to all nations”). These passages are marshaled to demonstrate that God’s providence works through human means, and that the success of evangelism is guaranteed by God’s sovereign purpose.

Trusting God's Providence: Hope in Suffering and Joy (Desiring God) references Romans 10:13-17, 1 Peter 1:23, Acts 16:14, Matthew 16:18, and Matthew 24:14 in a similar fashion, but adds Romans 9:22-23 to discuss God’s purpose in suffering and the display of his glory. The references are used to argue that evangelism and missions are essential means ordained by God, and that the miracle of conversion is always accompanied by the miracle of God’s work in the messenger.

Captivated by God: The Glory of the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) cross-references 2 Corinthians 4:3-7, especially verses 4 and 6, to expand on the meaning of Acts 26:17-18. The sermon draws a detailed parallel between “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (v.4) and “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (v.6), arguing that the opening of eyes in Acts 26:18 is the same supernatural act described in 2 Corinthians 4, where God shines light into hearts to reveal His glory in Christ. The preacher also references 1 Corinthians 15 to distinguish between the historical events of the gospel (Christ’s death, burial, resurrection) and their ultimate effect, which is to bring believers to the enjoyment of God’s glory. John 17:3 (“this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent”) is also alluded to, reinforcing the idea that eternal life is defined by knowing and enjoying God, not merely by endless existence.

Acts 26:17-18 Christian References outside the Bible:

Revealing God's Wisdom: The Church's Role in Salvation (Alistair Begg) explicitly references John Stott, quoting his analogy of the world as a theater in which God is the playwright and director, the church as the actors, and the angels as the spectators. Stott's analogy is used to illustrate the cosmic scope of the church's mission and the interest of both good and evil spiritual powers in the unfolding drama of salvation. The sermon also alludes to a "quaint old hymn" about angels folding their wings when the redeemed sing the story of salvation, highlighting the unique privilege of believers in experiencing and proclaiming redemption.

Acts 26:17-18 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Walking in the Light of Jesus' Love (Paradox Church) uses several secular illustrations to illuminate Acts 26:17-18: photography and film exposure (light revealing beauty and detail), lasers (light as both destructive and healing, depending on the user), refrigerator lights (the necessity of light to see what is needed), Polaroid cameras (the emergence of beauty and color in the light), and even the "soap monster" from the preacher's childhood (light dispelling imagined fears). These analogies are employed to make the abstract concept of spiritual light tangible and relatable, showing how exposure can lead to healing, clarity, and transformation.

Revealing God's Wisdom: The Church's Role in Salvation (Alistair Begg) references Henry Ford's dismissal of history as "bunk," Stephen Hawking's view of the universe as random and indifferent, Einstein's musings on the meaninglessness of existence, and the lyrics of The Kinks' "Dead End Street" to illustrate the contrast between secular nihilism and the hope offered by the gospel. These cultural references are used to highlight the dramatic shift in worldview that comes from moving from darkness to light in Christ.