I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

ACTS 26:9KJV
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Acts 26:9 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:9 mean?

Acts 26:9 records Paul explaining that he once believed he was obligated to oppose Jesus of Nazareth and do many things against His name. Paul is describing his former conviction that resisting Jesus was the right thing to do.

Paul is speaking before King Agrippa, recounting his past as a zealous opponent of the early Christian movement. By saying this, Paul is highlighting how deeply he misunderstood Jesus and how strong his opposition was before his dramatic conversion. This sets the stage for Paul to explain the radical change in his beliefs and actions.

The Greek behind Acts 26:9

  • The Greek word for "thought" is ἐδοξα (edoxa), which means "I considered" or "I was convinced." This shows Paul’s actions were not casual; he truly believed he was doing the right thing.
  • The phrase "contrary to" comes from the Greek word ἐναντίος (enantios), which means "opposed to" or "against." Paul is emphasizing that his actions were not just neutral but actively against the name of Jesus.
  • "Name" in Greek is ὄνομα (onoma), which often stands for reputation, authority, or identity. Paul’s opposition was not just to a person, but to everything Jesus represented.

Why Acts 26:9 matters

  • Acts 26:9 clarifies that Paul’s persecution of Christians was driven by sincere conviction, not malice or ignorance alone. This helps readers understand the depth of his transformation.
  • The verse connects Paul’s personal story to the larger narrative of Acts, showing how someone deeply opposed to Jesus could become one of His most devoted followers.
  • By focusing on Paul’s mindset before his conversion, Acts 26:9 helps explain why his later testimony about Jesus carries such weight and credibility.

Where else these words appear

“contrary” Greek G1727 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
  • Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
  • Acts 28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

“Nazareth” Greek G3480 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
  • Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

“do” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

“myself” Greek G1683 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.