How does Acts 26:15 connect to Jesus' authority in Matthew 28:18? Paul Meets Jesus on the Damascus Road (Acts 26:15) “‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” • Saul thought he was defending God, yet the risen Jesus stops him, speaking with unmistakable authority. • By calling Himself “Jesus” and “Lord” in the same breath, Christ asserts divinity and sovereign rule. • The statement “whom you are persecuting” identifies Jesus with His church, reinforcing His headship over every believer (cf. Acts 9:4–5; Colossians 1:18). Jesus Declares Universal Authority (Matthew 28:18) “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.’” • Spoken after the resurrection, this claim places Jesus above every power, visible and invisible. • “Given to Me” points to the Father’s public validation of the Son’s obedience (Philippians 2:9–11). • The verse is the launching pad for the Great Commission; disciples go because the risen King reigns. Connecting Acts 26:15 with Matthew 28:18 • Same Speaker, Same Authority – In Acts 26:15 Jesus interrupts Saul; in Matthew 28:18 He commissions the apostles. The identical voice that confronted the persecutor now empowers the missionary. • Authority Exercised in Personal Encounter – Saul’s conversion proves that Christ’s authority is not abstract. He exercises it in real time, over lives and destinies. • Lordship Acknowledged, Mission Assigned – Saul’s “Who are You, Lord?” echoes every disciple’s surrender. Immediately afterward (Acts 26:16–18) Jesus sends Saul to the nations—just as He sends the Eleven in Matthew 28:19–20. Key Parallels Highlighted 1. Revelation of Identity • Acts 26:15—Jesus identifies Himself. • Matthew 28:18—Jesus identifies His authority. 2. Recognition of Lordship • Saul calls Him “Lord.” • The disciples bow to the One with “all authority.” 3. Resulting Commission • Saul is appointed “a servant and a witness.” • The church is commanded, “Go and make disciples.” Supporting Scriptures That Echo the Theme • Ephesians 1:20–23—Christ seated “far above all rule and authority.” • 1 Timothy 1:12–16—Paul recounts receiving mercy so Christ might display His patience. • 2 Corinthians 5:14–20—Christ’s love compels ambassadors to plead, “Be reconciled to God.” Takeaway for Today Because the risen Jesus who halted Saul and commissioned the apostles holds absolute authority, every believer can share the gospel with confidence. His sovereign voice still turns opponents into ambassadors and sustains His church in its worldwide mission. |
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