To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
To open their eyes. This and what follows-though needed in another sense by the Jews also-as is evident from Acts 26:23 - is specially meant here of the Gentiles, last mentioned.
[And] to turn [them]. Since the "and" and "them" here are a supplement by our translators, the meaning and the better rendering probably is, 'To open their eyes, that they may turn' (as in 20); the latter as the consequence of the former.
From darkness to light. The whole passage leans on Isaiah 61:1, quoted by our Lord, with reference to His own ministry, in the synagogue of Nazareth (Luke 4:18).
And from the power of Satan unto God. Observe here the connection between being "turned from darkness" and "turned from the power of Satan," whose whole power over men lies in keeping them in the dark. Hence, the expression, "the rulers of the darkness of this world" ( Ephesians 6:12 ). See the note at 2 Corinthians 4:4.
That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. It will be observed that Faith is here made the instrument of salvation at once in its first stage, "forgiveness of sins," and in its last, admission to the home of the sanctified; and that the faith which introduces the soul to all this is emphatically declared by the glorified Redeemer to be a faith resting upon Himself - "Faith, even that which is on Me" [ pistei (G4102 ) tee (G3588 ) eis (G1519) eme (G1691 )]. And who that believes this can refrain from casting his crown before Him, and offering Him supreme worship?