King James Version

What Does Acts 22:4 Mean?

Acts 22:4 in the King James Version says “And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.”

Acts 22:4 · KJV

Context

2

(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

3

I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

4

And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

5

As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

6

And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

Read Acts 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul's Testimony of Persecution: The phrase "this way" (tēn hodon tautēn) was an early designation for Christianity, emphasizing it as a comprehensive way of life, a path to follow and live by, not merely a belief system or religious philosophy. Paul strategically uses it to identify with his Jerusalem audience—he once shared their zealous hostility toward believers in Jesus.

Extent of Persecution: "Unto the death" (achri thanatou) indicates Paul pursued believers with lethal intent and deadly purpose, not mere harassment, imprisonment, or social ostracism. The participles "binding and delivering" (desmeuōn kai paradidous) describe systematic arrests and formal legal proceedings leading to imprisonment. The inclusion of "both men and women" emphasizes the comprehensive, indiscriminate nature of Saul's persecution—gender, age, or social status provided no exemption, showing the thoroughness and severity of his former misguided zeal. This self-description serves Paul's apologetic purpose: demonstrating the radical transformation Christ caused in his life and validating his testimony. The one who once methodically destroyed the church became its greatest missionary and theologian, proving the reality and power of his Damascus road encounter with the risen Christ. Paul's transparency about his violent past validates his testimony while magnifying God's transforming grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul recounts this testimony circa 57 AD in Jerusalem, defending himself after being seized in the temple (Acts 21:27-36). He's speaking to a hostile Jewish crowd who accused him of teaching against Jewish law and defiling the temple. His persecution of Christians occurred circa 33-35 AD, shortly after Pentecost and Stephen's martyrdom. Acts 8:3 and 26:10-11 provide additional details: Saul entered houses, dragged believers to prison, voted for death penalties, and pursued them to foreign cities. His authorization from the high priest (Acts 9:1-2) made this official, not merely mob violence. The early church's memory of Saul the persecutor was so strong that even after his conversion, disciples initially feared him (Acts 9:26). His transformation from Christianity's chief persecutor to its primary apostle became a powerful evangelistic tool and encouragement to the persecuted church.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul emphasize his persecution of both men and women when defending himself before this crowd?
  2. What does the phrase "this way" reveal about early Christian self-understanding and identity?
  3. How does Paul's testimony of his past persecution serve his current apologetic purpose?
  4. What does Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle demonstrate about God's grace and power?
  5. How might the early church's knowledge of Paul's violent past have affected their reception of his ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὃς1 of 16

“And I”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ταύτην2 of 16
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

τὴν3 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδὸν4 of 16

“way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

ἐδίωξα5 of 16

“persecuted”

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

ἄχρι6 of 16

“unto”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

θανάτου7 of 16

“the death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

δεσμεύων8 of 16

“binding”

G1195

to be a binder (captor), i.e., to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load)

καὶ9 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παραδιδοὺς10 of 16

“delivering”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

εἰς11 of 16

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

φυλακὰς12 of 16

“prisons”

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

ἄνδρας13 of 16

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

τε14 of 16

“both”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ15 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γυναῖκας16 of 16

“women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 22:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 22:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 22:19-20Acts 26:9-111 Timothy 1:13-15Acts 8:1-4Acts 16:171 Corinthians 15:9

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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