Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. New Living Translation About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. English Standard Version At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. Berean Standard Bible About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. Berean Literal Bible at midday on the road, O king, I saw, a light from heaven above, the brightness of the sun, having shone around me and those journeying with me. King James Bible At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. New King James Version at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. New American Standard Bible at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who were journeying with me. NASB 1995 at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. NASB 1977 at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. Legacy Standard Bible at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. Amplified Bible at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven surpassing the brightness of the sun, shining all around me and those who were traveling with me. Christian Standard Bible King Agrippa, while on the road at midday, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me. Holman Christian Standard Bible King Agrippa, while on the road at midday, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me. American Standard Version at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them that journeyed with me. Contemporary English Version About noon I saw a light brighter than the sun. It flashed from heaven on me and on everyone traveling with me. English Revised Version at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them that journeyed with me. GOD'S WORD® Translation Your Majesty, at noon, while I was traveling, I saw a light that was brighter than the sun. The light came from the sky and shined around me and those who were with me. Good News Translation It was on the road at midday, Your Majesty, that I saw a light much brighter than the sun, coming from the sky and shining around me and the men traveling with me. International Standard Version On the road at noon, O King, I saw a light from heaven that was brighter than the sun. It flashed around me and those who were traveling with me. NET Bible about noon along the road, Your Majesty, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining everywhere around me and those traveling with me. New Heart English Bible at noon, O King, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me. Webster's Bible Translation At mid-day, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, surpassing the brightness of the sun, shining around me, and them who journeyed with me. Weymouth New Testament and on the journey, at noon, Sir, I saw a light from Heaven--brighter than the brightness of the sun--shining around me and around those who were travelling with me. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAbout noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. World English Bible at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionat midday, I saw in the way, O king, out of Heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining around me a light—and those going on with me; Berean Literal Bible at midday on the road, O king, I saw, a light from heaven above, the brightness of the sun, having shone around me and those journeying with me. Young's Literal Translation at mid-day, I saw in the way, O king, out of heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me a light -- and those going on with me; Smith's Literal Translation The middle of day, I saw in the way, O king, a light from heaven, above the brilliancy of the sun, having shone around me, and those going with me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAt midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me, and them that were in company with me. Catholic Public Domain Version at midday, O king, I and those who were also with me, saw along the way a light from heaven shining around me with a splendor greater than that of the sun. New American Bible At midday, along the way, O king, I saw a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my traveling companions. New Revised Standard Version when at midday along the road, your Excellency, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAt mid-day on the road, O king, I saw a light from heaven more powerful than that of the sun, shining round about me and upon those who journeyed with me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “At noonday, Oh, King, while on the road, I saw a light from the heavens greater than that of the sun, which burst upon me, and upon all who were with me.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentat midday, while I was on the road, I saw, King, a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those who journeyed with me. Godbey New Testament about midday, a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me; Haweis New Testament at midday, O king, I saw on the road a light from heaven, beyond the splendour of the sun, shining around myself and those who were travelling with me. Mace New Testament when at mid-day, O king, a light from heaven exceeding the splendor of the sun, broke all around me, and those that accompanied me. Weymouth New Testament and on the journey, at noon, Sir, I saw a light from Heaven--brighter than the brightness of the sun--shining around me and around those who were travelling with me. Worrell New Testament at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. Worsley New Testament O king, as I was on the way thither I saw a light from heaven exceeding the splendor of the sun, shining round about me and those that were going with me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Testimony to Agrippa…12In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. 14We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’… Cross References Acts 9:3-6 As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. / He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. ... Acts 22:6-11 About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. / I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. ... 1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Matthew 17:2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Revelation 1:16 He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest. John 12:29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. 1 Timothy 1:13-16 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. / This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. ... Philippians 3:6-7 as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. / But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. Galatians 1:15-16 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, Ezekiel 1:28 The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Daniel 10:6 His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... Exodus 3:2-6 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. / So Moses thought, “I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?” / When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. ... Exodus 34:29-30 And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face had become radiant from speaking with the LORD. / Aaron and all the Israelites looked at Moses, and behold, his face was radiant. And they were afraid to approach him. Treasury of Scripture At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. mid-day. Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: Acts 22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. above. Isaiah 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously. Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Jump to Previous Brighter Brightness Heaven Journey Journeyed Journeying Light Midday Mid-Day Middle Noon Road Round Shining Sir Sky Sun Surpassing Traveled Travelling WayJump to Next Brighter Brightness Heaven Journey Journeyed Journeying Light Midday Mid-Day Middle Noon Road Round Shining Sir Sky Sun Surpassing Traveled Travelling WayActs 26 1. Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declares his life from his childhood;12. and how miraculously he was converted, and called to his apostleship. 24. Festus charges him with being insane, whereunto he answers modestly. 28. Agrippa is almost persuaded to be a Christian. 31. The whole company pronounces him innocent. About noon, O king, This phrase sets the scene for Paul's defense before King Agrippa. The time of day, "about noon," is significant as it was the brightest part of the day, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the light Paul encountered. The address "O king" shows respect and acknowledges the authority of King Agrippa, situating the event within a legal and historical context. as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul (formerly Saul)The apostle who is recounting his conversion experience to King Agrippa. He was a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians before his encounter with Christ. 2. King Agrippa The ruler before whom Paul is making his defense. Agrippa was knowledgeable about Jewish customs and controversies. 3. The Road to Damascus The location where Paul experienced a divine encounter with Jesus Christ. This event marked a pivotal transformation in his life and mission. 4. The Light from Heaven A supernatural light, described as brighter than the sun, symbolizing the divine presence and revelation of Jesus Christ to Paul. 5. Paul's Companions Those who were traveling with Paul to Damascus. They witnessed the light but did not understand the voice speaking to Paul. Teaching Points Divine InterventionGod can intervene in our lives in unexpected and powerful ways, often when we are on a path contrary to His will. Transformation through Christ Just as Paul's life was radically transformed, our encounters with Christ can lead to profound personal change and a new purpose. The Light of Christ The light from heaven symbolizes the truth and revelation of Jesus. We are called to walk in this light and reflect it to others. Witnessing to Authority Paul’s boldness in sharing his testimony before King Agrippa encourages us to share our faith, regardless of the audience. God's Sovereignty The timing and manner of Paul's conversion highlight God's control and purpose in orchestrating events for His glory. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 26:13?2. How does Acts 26:13 demonstrate the power of divine encounters in conversion? 3. What does "a light from heaven" symbolize in Acts 26:13? 4. How can Paul's experience in Acts 26:13 inspire our personal faith journey? 5. How does Acts 26:13 connect with other biblical accounts of divine revelation? 6. How can we remain open to God's guidance as Paul did in Acts 26:13? 7. How does Acts 26:13 support the divine nature of Paul's conversion experience? 8. What historical evidence exists for the event described in Acts 26:13? 9. How does the bright light in Acts 26:13 symbolize divine revelation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 26? 11. Is God considered a person? 12. Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? 13. Matthew 17:2 states that Jesus’ face “shone like the sun.” How can this be reconciled with scientific observation and common experience? 14. How does John 12:28 reconcile with other biblical portrayals of God’s voice supposedly heard audibly by crowds? What Does Acts 26:13 Mean About noonPaul begins by fixing the moment—“About noon” (Acts 26:13). • Midday is when natural light peaks; anything brighter must be supernatural. • Paul repeats this detail in Acts 22:6, underscoring historical accuracy. • Scripture often marks significant revelations by noting the time (e.g., Daniel 10:4). These specifics strengthen the eyewitness character of the narrative, calling to mind Luke 1:2–4 and 2 Peter 1:16, which stress the trustworthiness of apostolic testimony. O king With “O king,” Paul respectfully addresses Agrippa II. • 1 Peter 2:17 exhorts believers to “honor the king,” a command Paul exemplifies. • Proverbs 16:13 reminds us that righteous speech pleases rulers; Paul’s courteous tone opens the door for gospel witness (cf. Acts 26:27–29). The respectful salutation models how truth can be spoken boldly yet graciously (Colossians 4:6). as I was on the road Paul was traveling to Damascus on an errand of persecution (Acts 9:2). • This road motif recalls how God often meets people in motion—Moses at Horeb (Exodus 3:1) and the Ethiopian official on the Gaza road (Acts 8:26–35). • The setting underlines God’s sovereign initiative: rather than Paul seeking Christ, Christ sought Paul (Galatians 1:15–16). Paul’s journey thus becomes a living picture of Luke 19:10: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” I saw a light from heaven The light is explicitly “from heaven,” signaling divine origin. • James 1:17 speaks of every good gift “coming down from the Father of lights,” echoing this heavenly radiance. • John 8:12 records Jesus’ claim, “I am the Light of the world,” tying the phenomenon to Christ Himself (confirmed in Acts 26:15). This was no hallucination; Paul’s wording ties the event to God’s realm, reinforcing the literal, historical nature of the encounter. brighter than the sun Luke, the careful historian, adds that the light surpassed the noon sun in brilliance. • The transfiguration account—where Jesus’ face “shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:2)—provides a parallel demonstration of His glory. • Revelation 1:16 describes the risen Christ with a countenance “like the sun shining at its brightest.” Such descriptions highlight Christ’s uncreated glory (1 Timothy 6:16) and affirm His deity. shining around me The light did not merely appear ahead; it “shone around,” enveloping Paul. • Psalm 34:7 notes, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,” picturing protective, surrounding presence. • Exodus 34:29 shows Moses’ face reflecting glory after meeting God; here, glory surrounds Paul before transformation begins. The encircling light signals divine initiative and total inescapability—consistent with Psalm 139:5. and my companions Paul stresses that the light surrounded “me and my companions.” • Multiple witnesses satisfy Deuteronomy 19:15, enhancing credibility. • Acts 22:9 confirms his companions “saw the light but did not understand the voice,” paralleling John 12:28–29 where some heard thunder, others a voice. Their shared experience verifies the physical reality of the event, though its full meaning was personally revealed to Paul. summary Acts 26:13 presents a precise, eyewitness account of Christ’s dramatic self-revelation to Paul. At high noon, a supernatural light—brighter than the sun—encircled Paul and his companions on the Damascus road. The respectful address to Agrippa, the emphasis on time and place, and the inclusion of corroborating witnesses all ground the narrative in literal history. The light’s heavenly source and surpassing brilliance unmistakably point to the risen Lord’s glory, fulfilling His role as the true “Light of the world” who sovereignly pursues and transforms His chosen servant. Verse 13. - On for in, A.V.; that for which, A.V. At midday. "About noon" (Acts 22:6). It enhanced the wonder of that light from heaven that it should be seen above the brightness of the sun at midday, in such a latitude.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek About noon,μέσης (mesēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3319: Middle, in the middle, between, in the midst of. From meta; middle (neuter) noun). O king, βασιλεῦ (basileu) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. [as I was] on κατὰ (kata) Preposition Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. road, ὁδὸν (hodon) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means. I saw εἶδον (eidon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. a light φῶς (phōs) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. from heaven, οὐρανόθεν (ouranothen) Adverb Strong's 3771: From heaven, from the sky. From ouranos and the enclitic of source; from the sky. brighter than λαμπρότητα (lamprotēta) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2987: Splendor, brightness, brilliancy. From lampros; brilliancy. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sun, ἡλίου (hēliou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2246: The sun, sunlight. From hele; the sun; by implication, light. shining around περιλάμψαν (perilampsan) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4034: To shine around. From peri and lampo; to illuminate all around, i.e. Invest with a halo. me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. my companions. τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Links Acts 26:13 NIVActs 26:13 NLT Acts 26:13 ESV Acts 26:13 NASB Acts 26:13 KJV Acts 26:13 BibleApps.com Acts 26:13 Biblia Paralela Acts 26:13 Chinese Bible Acts 26:13 French Bible Acts 26:13 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 26:13 At noon O King I saw (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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