Acts 26:11

I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

Study Bible

I frequently had them punished in the synagogues
The phrase "I frequently had them punished" indicates a repeated and systematic approach to persecution. The Greek word for "punished" here is "τιμωρέω" (timōreō), which implies a form of retribution or vengeance. The synagogues were central places of worship and community for the Jewish people, and using them as venues for punishment underscores the severity and public nature of the actions taken against early Christians. Historically, synagogues served as both religious and communal centers, making them strategic locations for enforcing religious conformity.

and I tried to make them blaspheme
The word "blaspheme" comes from the Greek "βλασφημέω" (blasphēmeō), meaning to speak irreverently about God or sacred things. Saul's (later Paul) efforts to force Christians to blaspheme highlight the intense pressure and coercion they faced. This act of trying to make believers renounce their faith under duress reflects the spiritual warfare and the high stakes of early Christian witness. It also shows the depth of Saul's zeal against what he perceived as a heretical movement.

In my raging fury against them
"Raging fury" translates from the Greek "περισσῶς ἐμμαινόμενος" (perissōs emmainomenos), which conveys an overwhelming, irrational anger. This phrase captures the intensity of Saul's emotions and actions against Christians. His fury was not just a personal vendetta but was fueled by a misguided zeal for the Jewish law and traditions. This highlights the transformation that would later occur in Saul's life, as he moved from a place of blind rage to one of grace and truth.

I went to foreign cities to persecute them
The phrase "foreign cities" indicates the extent and reach of Saul's mission to eradicate the Christian faith. The Greek word "ἔξω" (exō) means outside or beyond, suggesting that Saul's persecution was not limited to Jerusalem but extended to other regions. This reflects the early spread of Christianity and the lengths to which Saul was willing to go to suppress it. Historically, this also points to the interconnectedness of the Roman Empire, where travel between cities was possible, allowing for the rapid dissemination of both persecution and the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul (formerly Saul)
The speaker in this verse, recounting his past actions before his conversion to Christianity. He was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted Christians.

2. Synagogues
Jewish places of worship where Paul punished Christians, trying to force them to renounce their faith.

3. Christians (The Way)
Early followers of Jesus Christ who were the targets of Paul's persecution.

4. Foreign Cities
Locations outside of Jerusalem where Paul extended his persecution efforts, showing the widespread nature of his campaign against Christians.

5. Blasphemy
The act Paul tried to force upon Christians, which in this context would mean renouncing Jesus as the Messiah.

Teaching Points

Zeal Without Knowledge
Paul's fervor in persecuting Christians was misguided. This teaches us the importance of aligning our zeal with the truth of God's Word.

The Power of Transformation
Paul's radical change from persecutor to apostle demonstrates the transformative power of Christ's grace and forgiveness.

Persecution and Faithfulness
Early Christians faced severe persecution, yet many remained faithful. This challenges us to stand firm in our faith despite opposition.

The Danger of Religious Extremism
Paul's actions warn against the dangers of religious extremism and the harm it can cause when not rooted in love and truth.

God's Sovereignty in Redemption
Despite Paul's past, God used him mightily for His purposes, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Paul's past persecution of Christians highlight the transformative power of God's grace in his life?

2. In what ways can zeal for religious beliefs become harmful if not aligned with the truth of Scripture?

3. How can we draw strength from the example of early Christians who remained faithful under persecution?

4. What steps can we take to ensure our religious fervor is rooted in love and truth rather than extremism?

5. How does Paul's account encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and redemption, even for those who seem far from Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 9:1-2
Describes Saul's (Paul's) initial mission to persecute Christians, providing context for his actions in Acts 26:11.

1 Timothy 1:13-14
Paul reflects on his past as a blasphemer and persecutor, highlighting the grace and mercy he received from Christ.

Galatians 1:13-14
Paul recounts his former life in Judaism and his zealous persecution of the church, emphasizing his transformation.