1. Paul’s (and our) mission.
Acts 26:18, "To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light"
2. The cause of the blindness.
2 Corinthians 4:4 "Whose minds the god of this world has blinded, who do not believe"
3. Spiritual blindness is manifested in two ways:
Ephesians 4:17-19, "Having their understanding darkened....because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness (hardening) of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over.... to work all uncleanness and greediness"
Romans 10:1-3, "For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God".
4. Methods used by the Holy Spirit in Paul’s ministry of "opening their eyes":
a. Acts 24:24-25, "as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid (terrified"). (John 16:7-11).
b. 2 Corinthians 4:5-11, "we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh". (Acts 16:22-25).