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Book of Acts - Chapter 26 - Verse 5

26:5
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

Meaning

In this verse, the apostle Paul is reflecting on his past life as a Pharisee before converting to Christianity. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and traditions, and Paul was no exception. He was dedicated to following the laws and regulations of his faith, even going so far as to persecute early Christians. However, after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul's life was transformed. He became a devout follower of Christ and dedicated his life to spreading the gospel. By acknowledging his past as a Pharisee, Paul is highlighting the dramatic shift in his beliefs and priorities that occurred after his conversion. This verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and a testament to the profound impact that encountering Christ can have on a person's life.

Theological Overview

The verse 'Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.' from the book of Acts (Acts 26:5) reveals an important aspect of the Apostle Paul's identity and background. Here, Paul is referring to his past life as a Pharisee, a member of the strictest Jewish sect known for their adherence to the law and traditions. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Paul's transformation from a zealous persecutor of the early Christians to a dedicated follower of Christ. Through this verse, we gain insight into Paul's religious upbringing and the profound impact that encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus had on his life. Additionally, word studies on terms like 'straitest sect' and 'Pharisee' provide deeper insight into the religious and cultural context of the time, helping readers better understand the significance of Paul's words and actions. Overall, this verse serves as a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the ways in which our past experiences can shape our journey of faith.

American Standard Version

having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
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