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by the dread of being styled fanatical, or out of our minds. For to stifle a thought from
God is no small sin.”

Note further the place visions played in the apostle Paul’s experience. Read Acts 7:56-
8:1; 9:1-16; 13:2-4; 14:19; 16:9-10; 18:9-11; 22:17-18; 27:22-25; 2 Corinthians 12:1-4;
Galatians 1:11-12; 2:2; Ephesians 3:1-5.

Act 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the
region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works
befitting repentance.

Paul declared the gospel first at Damascus. He announces what he has seen. This verse also
covers the first three missionary journeys (Judea to the Gentiles). Good works is also a part of
the gospel message. When a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, they should also begin to
step out into good works which speak of their conversion.

Act 26:21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

Paul was taken and beaten by the Jews for preaching about Jesus Christ being the Messiah of
Israel and the Savior of mankind. This may not be how the Romans believe or the Jews, but it is
not the issue. Paul is free to preach his own beliefs without being taken to jail. The Jews want
to kill Paul over preaching his own believes about Jesus Christ.
Act 26:22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to
small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would
come—

Having therefore obtained help (acquired assistance) of God (Roman intervention), I continue
(perfect tense---remain standing) unto this day, witnessing both to small (citizens) and great
(government leaders), saying none other things than those which the prophets (major and
minor) and Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy) did say should come (to pass):

Paul is saying, “The God they say they serve helped me to escape from them.”

26:22 witnessing, martureo (mar-tt-reh-oh); Giving evidence, attesting, confirming,
confessing, bearing record, speaking well of, giving a good report, testifying, affirming
that one has seen, heard, or experienced something. In the NT it is used particularly for
presenting the gospel with evidence. The English word “martyr” comes from this word,
suggesting that a witness is one willing to die for his testimony.

Act 26:23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and
would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and
should shew (kataggello: announce, declare, teach) light unto the people (Jewish), and to the
Gentiles.