Paul’s Commission

 

We are going through the Book of Acts at church and have just recently finished chapters 23-26. Paul is on trial before Jewish and Roman authorities. Yesterday, I pointed out the theme that runs through his defense like a mighty river. I thought that was exciting and insightful! Today, we find Paul before King Agrippa, giving his testimony. And in his testimony he shares his commission. Wow!!

Acts 26:18 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.

Paul’s ministry is described in v 18 in 5 statements. Interesting that 5 is the number of grace.¹ Each one of them is mentioned and elaborated upon in his epistles.

to open their eyes

Isaiah 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

 

and turn darkness to light

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

 

and power of Satan unto God

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

 

that they may receive forgiveness of sins

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

 

and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me

Colossians 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

This is what God will do for all who will believe in Jesus Christ.

 

“Awake, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”²

 

 

¹ Number in Scrpture, E.W. Bullinger

“We have had hitherto the three persons of the Godhead, and their manifestation in creation. Now we have a further revelation of a People called out from mankind, redeemed and saved, to walk with God from earth to heaven. Hence, Redemption follows creation. Inasmuch as in consequence of the fall of man creation came under the curse and was "made subject to vanity," therefore man and creation must be redeemed. Thus we have:

1. Father

2. Son

3. Spirit

4. Creation

5. Redemption

These are the five great mysteries, and five is therefore the number of GRACE.”

² Ephesians 5:14