Keraia
Acts 22

Acts 22:11

Paul’s Defense to the Crowd · Acts 22:1–21
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Translations

Modern
Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.
Traditional
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
Literal
And while I could not see from the brightness of that light, I came to Damascus, being led by the hand by those being with me.
Latin
Et cum non viderem præ claritate luminis illius, ad manum deductus a comitibus, veni Damascum.

Original

Greek
English
Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.

Notes

Acts 22:1–21

Paul gives his most complete defense of his life and faith before his own people in Jerusalem. This speech shows his flexibility as a missionary, just as his message to the Greek philosophers in Athens also did (17:22–31; see 1 Corinthians 9:20–23).

He begins by showing his close connection with his audience. He explains his Jewish background and his training under Gamaliel the Elder (a respected Jewish teacher). He also describes his strong desire to honor God, a desire they shared (Acts 22:1–3).

Paul then recounts how he once persecuted Christians (22:4–5). He tells about seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus (22:6–10). and explains his conversion (his turning to follow Jesus; 22:11–16).

He ends by describing a vision in the temple, where the Lord spoke to him. The Lord told him that many Jews would reject the message and that he should go to the Gentiles (22:17–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Persecution

Events

Parallels

Acts 9:1–19 Acts 26:1–23

Places

Damascus: Ancient city, capital of Syria, important in biblical history

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Book of the Acts of the Apostles Church Damascus Judaizers Light Paul the Apostle Resurrection Shekinah

Topics

Damascus: Paul's Experiences In Paul: His Defense Paul: His Vision and Conversion