Acts 26:9

9 Indeed, I myself thought it was necessary to do many [things] opposed to the name of Jesus the Nazarene,

Acts 26:9 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 26:9

I verily thought with myself
This seems to be a correction of himself, why he should wonder at their ignorance and unbelief, particularly with respect to Jesus being the Messiah, and his resurrection from the dead, and expostulate with them about it; when this was once his own case, it was the real sentiments of his mind, what in his conscience he believed to be right and just; namely,

that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of
Nazareth;
to him himself, to his religion, to his Gospel, and ordinances, and people; by blaspheming his name, by denying him to be the Messiah, by condemning his religion as heresy, by disputing against his doctrines, and manner of worship, and by persecuting his followers.

Acts 26:9 In-Context

7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain as [they] earnestly serve [him] night and day. Concerning this hope I am being accused by the Jews, O king!

8 Why is it thought incredible by you [people] that God raises the dead?

9 Indeed, I myself thought it was necessary to do many [things] opposed to the name of Jesus the Nazarene,

10 which I also did in Jerusalem, and not only did I lock up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priests, but also [when] they were being executed, I cast [my] vote against [them].

11 And throughout all the synagogues I punished them often [and] tried to force [them] to blaspheme, and [because I] was enraged at them beyond measure, I was pursuing [them] even as far as to foreign cities.