John Bengel Commentary - Acts 26:18 - 26:18

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John Bengel Commentary - Acts 26:18 - 26:18


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Act 26:18. Ἀνοῖξαι, to open) He opens the eyes, who sends Paul; and He opens them by the instrumentality of Paul, who is sent. There is in this passage a noble description of the whole process of conversion. Comp. Isa 42:6-7.-αὐτῶν, their) viz. of Jews and Gentiles.-τοῦ ἐπιστρέψαι) There is not added αὐτοὺς, as it is presently added to λαβεῖν· for which reason, as ἀνοῖξαι, so ἐπιστρέψαι, is said of Paul (as the modern Greek Version understands it, as also Beza and others): and τοῦ is explanatory, as in Luk 1:73, τοῦ δοῦναι, where the article indicates that the preceding Infinitive, ποιῆσαι, is explained by this subsequent one, “To perform the mercy-that He would grant unto us;” note.-ἀπὸ σκότους εἰς φῶς, from darkness to light) This clause more belongs to the people (the Jews): that which follows, more to the Gentiles. Comp. Act 26:20, note: εἰς, into light, 1Pe 2:9. Comp. Col 1:12-13; 1Jn 1:7; 1Jn 2:9-10; Rev 21:24. Φῶς here is without the article, as in Act 26:23.-ἐξουσίας, the power) which was very gross among idolaters. Comp. Col 1:13-14, “Redemption through His blood-the forgiveness of sins.”-Σατανᾶ, of Satan) Satan is opposed to GOD, as antichrist is to Christ.-τοῦ) Anaphora [the frequent repetition of the same word at beginnings].-ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν, forgiveness of sins) This belongs expressly to the people: ch. Act 2:38, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Κλῆρον, lot, inheritance, among them who are sanctified, more applies to the Gentiles.-κλῆρον, inheritance) Comp. again Col 1:12-14.-ἐν τοῖς ἠγιασμένοις, among them which are Sanctified) See ch. Act 20:32, note (This title is applied to believers from among the Gentiles, not however excluding Jewish believers: therefore ἐν, not σὺν, is used).-πίστει, by faith) Construe this with λαβεῖν, that they may receive [not with ἡγιασμένοις, sanctified, as Engl. Vers.]