But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,
Christ cast Paul down to humble him, and now lifts him up again gently. This is no small comfort: He appeared not as an avenger for Paul's cruelty and bloodshed, but as a merciful Lord calling him to an honorable ministry, that he might learn Christ reigns in heaven and acknowledge Him as the promised Redeemer.
AI summary
Paul was stopped dead in his tracks by a power from heaven that no earthly authority could match, even one armed with the full weight of the chief priests behind it. A vision and a voice together seized him, not by force of men, but by divine energy, and turned the persecutor into a preacher. What resistance can stand against God?
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 26:12-23
These words mean more than that Saul must rise bodily; they command him to take heart. Though he had acted viciously against Christ and His people, this appearance was not for destruction but for honor and usefulness. He was made a minister by Christ Himself, not by men, the only true ministers are those appointed and equipped by Christ alone.
AI summary