“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
My Notes
What Does Acts 26:18 Mean?
Paul recounts his commission from Christ on the road to Damascus: to open the eyes of the Gentiles, to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. The mission is described as a series of turnings — from blindness to sight, from darkness to light, from Satan's power to God's.
The purpose of this turning: that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith. The destination is not just escape from darkness. It is inheritance — a share in God's family and God's promises.
"By faith that is in me" — Jesus names himself as the object of faith. The turning, the forgiveness, the inheritance — all of it flows through faith in Christ.
This verse describes the full scope of conversion: spiritual eyes opened, allegiance changed from Satan to God, sins forgiven, inheritance received. It is the most comprehensive single-verse description of what salvation accomplishes.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Which part of this description of salvation means most to you — opened eyes, turning from darkness, forgiveness, or inheritance?
- 2.How does the language of 'turning' capture what conversion actually feels like?
- 3.What does it mean to move from 'the power of Satan' to God — practically, in daily life?
- 4.How does being an heir, not just a forgiven person, change your sense of identity?
Devotional
To turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. That is the entire Christian journey in one sentence. A turning. A complete directional change.
From darkness to light. Not gradual illumination — a turn. From facing one direction to facing another. The darkness is not partially reduced. It is left behind entirely.
From the power of Satan unto God. The transfer of authority is total. You were under one power. Now you are under another. The old master has no legitimate claim.
That they may receive forgiveness of sins. The past is addressed. Every failure, every rebellion, every act committed in the darkness — forgiven. Not overlooked. Forgiven.
And inheritance. Not just forgiveness but a share in the family estate. You are not a pardoned criminal. You are an adopted heir. The turning does not just rescue you from danger. It places you in a family.
That is what happened to you when you believed. All of it. In one turn.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
To open their eyes,.... The eyes of their understanding, which were shut, and darkened, and blind: one copy reads, "the…
To open their eyes - To enlighten or instruct them. Ignorance is represented by the eyes being closed, and the…
To open their eyes - To be the instrument of informing their understanding in the things of God.
To turn them from…
All who believe a God, and have a reverence for his sovereignty, must acknowledge that those who speak and act by his…
to open their eyes, and to turn them More literally Rev. Ver."that they may turn". A sentence full of hope and promise…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture