God’s Justice in Paul’s Commission
Acts 26:12–18 (NASB95)
12“While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. 14“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15“And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16‘But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’
Paul’s recounting of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus reveals God’s view of true justice: ensuring that all people, both Jews and Gentiles, have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and turn to Him. Jesus confronts Paul, who had been persecuting His followers, and commissions him to be a witness to the truth. Paul is sent to open the eyes of others, turning them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. This divine commission is not just about Paul’s personal transformation but about God’s justice being fulfilled through the proclamation of the Gospel to all nations. God’s justice is restorative, bringing forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith. By sharing this testimony, Paul highlights that God’s ultimate justice is not about punishment but about offering salvation and reconciliation to all who will believe.
Paul’s commission reminds us that God’s justice is rooted in His desire for all people to hear the Gospel and be reconciled to Him. As the church, we are called to participate in this mission, sharing the good news of Jesus with those who have not yet heard. This passage challenges us to see justice not only as fairness or accountability but as the restoration of broken lives through the power of the Gospel. Let us commit to being faithful witnesses, trusting that God’s justice is fulfilled when lives are transformed by His grace and truth.