They would not be guilty of sinning if I had not come and spoken to them. But now [that I have], they have no excuse for their sin.
Acts 26:9 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) I truly thought within myself [that it was right] to do many things which were opposed to the name of Jesus from Nazareth. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition I myself indeed was [once] persuaded that it was my duty to do many things contrary to and in defiance of the name of Jesus of Nazareth. American Standard Version (1901) I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Common English Bible “I really thought that I ought to oppose the name of Jesus the Nazarene in every way possible. Catholic Public Domain Version And certainly, I myself formerly considered that I ought to act in many ways which are contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version And I indeed did formerly think, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. |
They would not be guilty of sinning if I had not come and spoken to them. But now [that I have], they have no excuse for their sin.
[But] Paul answered, “What are you trying to do [by your] crying and breaking my heart [like this]? [Do you not know that] I am ready, not only to be chained up, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?”
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, in Cilicia, but raised [here] in this city [i.e., Jerusalem]. [I was] instructed by Gamaliel [i.e., a renowned Jewish rabbi of the time] according to the strictest methods of observing the law of our forefathers. [I was very] eager to serve God, just as all of you are here today.
And I persecuted this ‘Way’ [even to the point of] putting people to death. [I had] both men and women bound [in chains] and locked up in prisons.
I answered, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And the voice answered me, ‘I am Jesus from Nazareth, the One you are persecuting.’
We have found this man [i.e., Paul] to be extremely bothersome, and an instigator of strife among the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
“And now brothers, I know that [both] you and your [Jewish] rulers acted in ignorance [of what you were really doing].
But instead, Peter said, “I do not have any money [i.e., silver or gold], but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus from Nazareth [i.e., by His authority], get up and walk.”
With every breath [it seemed], Saul [expressed his desire to] threaten and murder the Lord’s disciples and [even] went to the head priest
I will show him how many things he will have to suffer for my name's sake.”
For I can testify that they have an enthusiasm for God, but it is without [true] knowledge.
As far as enthusiasm is concerned, I persecuted the church; as far as being righteous according to the Law of Moses is concerned, I was without just blame.
[even] though I had previously spoken against Christ, and persecuted [Christians] and acted outrageously. However, I obtained mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not believing [in Christ].