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Book of Acts - Chapter 26 - Verse 15

26:15
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

Meaning

This verse from Acts 9:5 captures the moment when Saul, later known as the apostle Paul, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul was a fierce persecutor of early Christians, but in this encounter, he is confronted by the very person he was persecuting. When Saul asks, "Who art thou, Lord?" Jesus identifies Himself as the one whom Saul is persecuting. This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of Saul's transformation from a persecutor to a follower of Jesus. It highlights the power of Jesus to reach even those who are actively working against Him. This encounter serves as a profound example of Jesus' grace and ability to change hearts, even those filled with hatred and violence. It also emphasizes the personal nature of Jesus' relationship with each of His followers, as He addresses Saul directly and reveals Himself to him in a powerful and transformative way.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Acts, we see Saul encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul, who later became the apostle Paul, is struck blind by a bright light and hears a voice asking him why he is persecuting Jesus. This encounter highlights the personal nature of Jesus' relationship with his followers. The phrase "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest" underscores the profound connection between Christ and his church. The use of the term "Lord" in this verse emphasizes Jesus' authority and divinity. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the transformative power of encountering Jesus. It serves as a reminder that when we persecute or harm others, we are also doing so to Jesus himself. This verse challenges us to reconsider how we treat others, knowing that our actions have a direct impact on our relationship with Christ.

American Standard Version

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
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