King James Version

What Does Acts 22:5 Mean?

Acts 22:5 in the King James Version says “As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto t... — study this verse from Acts chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 22:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The high priest doth bear me witness (μαρτυρεῖ μοι)—Paul invokes living eyewitnesses to verify his past as chief persecutor. This wasn't distant history; some leaders present had personally authorized his Damascus mission. Letters unto the brethren (ἐπιστολὰς πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφούς)—Official extradition documents from the Sanhedrin to Damascus synagogues, granting authority to arrest believers and bring them to Jerusalem.

To be punished (τιμωρηθῶσιν)—The Greek 'timoreo' implies judicial vengeance, not merely discipline. Paul sought Christians' execution (Acts 26:10-11). His transformation from zealous persecutor to passionate apostle becomes undeniable evidence of Christ's resurrection—only seeing the risen Lord could convert such an opponent. The greater the antagonist, the greater the testimony.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred around AD 34-35, shortly after Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:58-8:3). The Damascus synagogues held authority over Jews living there, making them co-enforcers of Jerusalem's religious judgments. Paul's 'letters' represented official cooperation between Palestinian and Diaspora Jewish leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's honesty about his violent past strengthen rather than weaken his gospel witness?
  2. Who are the 'eyewitnesses' to your transformation that could verify Christ's work in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ὡς1 of 31

As

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ2 of 31

also

G2532

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

3 of 31
G3588

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

ἀρχιερεὺς4 of 31

the high priest

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

μαρτυρεῖ5 of 31

doth bear

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

μοι6 of 31

me

G3427

to me

καὶ7 of 31

also

G2532

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

πᾶν8 of 31

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὸ9 of 31
G3588

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

πρεσβυτέριον10 of 31

the estate of the elders

G4244

the order of elders, i.e., (specially), israelite sanhedrin or christian "presbytery"

παρ'11 of 31

from

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ὧν12 of 31

whom

G3739

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

καὶ13 of 31

also

G2532

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

ἐπιστολὰς14 of 31

letters

G1992

a written message

δεξάμενος15 of 31

I received

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

πρὸς16 of 31

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς17 of 31
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὺς18 of 31

the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

εἰς19 of 31

to

G1519

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

Δαμασκὸν20 of 31

Damascus

G1154

damascus, a city of syria

ἐπορευόμην21 of 31

went

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἄξων22 of 31

to bring

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

καὶ23 of 31

also

G2532

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

τοὺς24 of 31
G3588

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

ἐκεῖσε25 of 31

there

G1566

thither

ὄντας26 of 31

them which were

G5607

being

δεδεμένους27 of 31

bound

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

εἰς28 of 31

to

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ29 of 31

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

ἵνα30 of 31

for to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τιμωρηθῶσιν31 of 31

be punished

G5097

properly, to protect one's honor, i.e., to avenge (inflict a penalty)


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 22:5 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 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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