And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

ACTS 26:15KJV
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Acts 26:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:15 mean?

Acts 26:15 records Paul’s question to the voice that stopped him on the road to Damascus, asking, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice answers, identifying itself as Jesus, the one Paul has been persecuting. This moment reveals to Paul that the risen Jesus himself is confronting him.

Paul is telling his story before King Agrippa, describing the moment when he encountered a blinding light and heard a voice from heaven. Paul’s question shows his confusion and awe, while the answer makes it clear that the person speaking is Jesus, connecting Paul’s actions against Christians directly to Jesus himself. This verse marks the turning point in Paul’s life, as he realizes he has been opposing the very one he thought he was serving.

The Greek behind Acts 26:15

  • κύριος (kurios): This word is translated as “Lord.” In Greek, it can mean “master” or “sir,” but in this context, it carries a sense of divine authority, showing Paul’s recognition that the voice is from someone far greater than himself.
  • Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): This is the Greek form of “Jesus.” The voice’s self-identification leaves no doubt that it is Jesus speaking, not just a heavenly messenger.
  • διώκεις (diōkeis): Translated as “persecutest,” this word means to pursue or harass. Jesus’ use of this word makes it clear that Paul’s actions against Jesus’ followers are seen as actions against Jesus himself.

Why Acts 26:15 matters

  • Acts 26:15 clarifies that persecuting Christians is, in Jesus’ eyes, persecuting him personally, highlighting the close connection between Jesus and his followers.
  • This verse is a key turning point in Paul’s story, marking the moment he realizes he has been fundamentally mistaken about Jesus and his mission.
  • The verse sets up the rest of Paul’s testimony, showing how his encounter with Jesus led to his dramatic change from persecutor to apostle.

Where else these words appear

“persecutest” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
  • Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

“thou” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

“am” Greek G1510 · used in 137 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
  • Acts 13:25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.