When the risen Lord Jesus appeared to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus, He gave him a clear and urgent commission. Standing before King Agrippa years later, the apostle Paul recounted those words: the Lord had sent him “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18, ESV). This single sentence captures the heart of the gospel mission. It reveals both the desperate condition of people apart from Christ and the glorious purpose for which the good news is proclaimed.
“To open their eyes” speaks of a spiritual blindness deeper than a mere lack of information. The eyes of the unbelievers are closed by sin, ignorance, and the deceptive influence of the evil one (see 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 4:18). People may see the created world around them and even possess religious knowledge, yet they remain unable to perceive their true condition before a holy God or the beauty and sufficiency of Christ. Opening the eyes is the gracious work of God through the preaching of the gospel. It is the moment when light breaks in, the heart grasps the seriousness of sin, the reality of judgment, and the hope found only in the Savior who died and rose again. As Paul would later pray for others, the eyes of the heart are enlightened so that believers may know the hope of God’s calling (Ephesians 1:18).
With eyes opened, the next movement becomes possible: a turning “from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.” Darkness describes the realm of ignorance, rebellion, and moral bondage; light is knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Satan exercises a real though limited dominion over those who remain outside of Christ, holding them captive to deception and sin. The gospel announces a decisive transfer of allegiance. Those who hear and believe, repent, confess, and are baptized are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). This turning is not a casual change of opinion but a radical reorientation of the whole person—mind, will, and affections—away from self and Satan and toward the living God.
The purpose of opened eyes and this turning is wonderfully practical and eternal: “that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Forgiveness is not earned by moral improvement or religious ritual; it is received as a gift through faith in the One who bore our sins in His body on the cross. With forgiveness comes a new standing—an inheritance and a place among those set apart by God. Sanctification begins with this separation unto God through faith in Christ and continues as the Spirit works in those who belong to Him. The promise is not merely escape from guilt but belonging in the family of the redeemed, sharing in the life and inheritance of the saints.
This commission given to Paul remains the mission of the church today. Every faithful proclamation of the gospel is an appeal for God to open eyes so that men and women may turn from darkness to light, leave the power of Satan, and receive forgiveness and a secure place among those sanctified by faith in Christ. The same Lord who spoke these words still works through His word. If your eyes have been opened, give thanks and help others see. If they have not, consider the claim of this verse: the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ is shining, inviting you to turn, believe, and receive the forgiveness and inheritance that God freely offers in His Son.
Garland Van Dyke
Matthews St. church of Christ
www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com
