What does Acts 26:10 teach about misguided zeal and religious persecution? Setting the Scene • Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa, recounting his pre-conversion actions. • He openly admits how far his former zeal took him against believers in Jesus. Text Under the Lens “ And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With the authority of the chief priests, I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.” (Acts 26:10) What Paul’s Confession Reveals About Zeal • Zeal alone is morally neutral; its direction determines its value. • Paul’s “authority of the chief priests” shows religious endorsement does not guarantee righteousness. • Casting his vote “against them” makes him personally complicit, not merely an observer. • The word “saints” underscores that his victims were genuine people of God, highlighting the tragedy of his error. Roots of Religious Persecution • Ignorance of God’s true plan (Romans 10:2: “They are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge”). • Loyalty to tradition over revealed truth (Galatians 1:13-14). • Misinterpretation of duty (John 16:2: persecutors think they “offer a service to God”). • Human approval outweighing divine approval (Acts 5:29 contrasts obedience to God versus men). Correcting Misdirected Zeal 1. Encounter the risen Christ (Acts 9:3-6). 2. Submit to gospel truth, not institutional pressure (Galatians 1:11-12). 3. Allow Scripture to reshape convictions (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 4. Replace violence with sacrificial service (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Living Lessons for Today • Test every passionate conviction against the whole counsel of God’s Word. • Guard against elevating religious authorities above Scripture. • Remember that sincerity without truth can harm the very people God calls “saints.” • Channel zeal into proclaiming Christ, not policing others (1 Peter 3:15-16). |
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