Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 26:16

"But arise, and stand upon thy feet: for to this end have I appeared unto thee, to appoint thee a minister and a witness both of the things wherein thou hast seen me, and of the things wherein I will appear unto thee;" — Acts 26:16 (ASV)

But rise, and so on. The details mentioned in this verse and the two following are not recorded in the account of Paul's conversion in Acts 9. However, it is not improbable that many circumstances may have occurred that are not recorded. Paul expands on them here at length, specifically to show his authority for doing what he had done in preaching to the Gentiles.

To make you a minister (Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:23, 25). A minister of the gospel; a preacher of the truth.

And a witness (Acts 22:15). See the comments on Acts 22:15.

Which you have seen. On the road to Damascus; that is, of the Lord Jesus, and of the fact that he was risen from the dead.

And of those things, and so on. This refers to those further manifestations of Christ's person, protection, and will, which he would yet reveal to Paul. It is evident from this that the Lord Jesus promised to manifest himself to Paul in his ministry, and to show him still further displays of his will and glory .

This promise was fulfilled by Christ rescuing him from destruction and danger, by the indication of His will, and by the growing and expanding view that Paul was permitted to take of the character and perfections of the Lord Jesus.

In this we see that it is the duty of ministers to bear witness not only to the truth of religion in general, or of that which they can demonstrate by argument, but more especially of that which they experience in their own hearts, and which they understand by having themselves been the subjects of it.

No one is qualified to enter the ministry who has not a personal, practical, and saving view of the glory and perfections of the Lord Jesus, and who does not go to his work as a witness of those things which he has felt.

And no one enters the ministry with these feelings who has not, as Paul had, a promise that he will see still brighter displays of the perfections of the Savior, and be permitted to advance in the knowledge of Him and of His work.

The highest personal consolation in this work is the promise of their being admitted to ever-growing and expanding views of the glory of the Lord Jesus, and of experiencing His presence, guidance, and protection.