IN A NUTSHELL
ACTS 26:18 NKJV
18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Paul is speaking in front of King Agrippa and Festus. He is defending himself but also sharing his story. In sharing what happened to him on the road to Damascus, Paul sums up what his calling and ministry were all about.
When Jesus spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus, we get further insight into what the Lord had for him regarding sharing the gospel.
Paul was to be a minister and a witness of Jesus to the Jews and to the Gentiles. His calling was to do the following.
Open their eyes. Jesus was obviously speaking of spiritual eyes. When their spiritual eyes were opened, they would turn from spiritual darkness to light.
And when their spiritual eyes were opened, they would be turned from the power of Satan to God. The word power used here is the same Greek word for authority. When someone turns to the Lord, they are no longer under Satan's domain. Now they have been transferred into the Kingdom of God.
When someone turns to the Lord, they will receive forgiveness for their sins. No amount of effort can do this. Forgiveness is wrapped in the bundle with the Lord.
Also, a part of that bundle is an inheritance that belongs to everyone who has been separated to God. All of these wonderful benefits are available to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus.
Paul knew what he was called to do. And he was unashamed. In this same discourse, he tells King Agrippa that his desire was for everyone to be like him. He was speaking of his faith in Christ. Paul knew the eternal value of salvation and wanted everyone, even powerful kings and governors, to receive Jesus.
APPLICATION:
We are still carrying out Paul's mission today. Our church exists for the same reasons. To open the eyes of those in darkness, that they may turn to the Lord, receive His forgiveness, and be freed from the authority of Satan. That people would begin to partake of the inheritance that is available to all who have put their faith in Jesus.
We want this for all people, great and small.
PRAYER:
Lord, give us more grace to reach those in darkness and turn them to You.