Acts 22 4

Acts 22:4 kjv

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

Acts 22:4 nkjv

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,

Acts 22:4 niv

I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,

Acts 22:4 esv

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,

Acts 22:4 nlt

And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.

Acts 22 verses

Acts 22 4 Meaning

Paul recounts his zealous persecution of the early Christian church, indicating his actions were done in ignorance of the true nature of his mission and Jesus' identity. His adherence to Jewish law and traditions motivated this behavior, believing he was serving God faithfully.

Acts 22 4 Context

This verse occurs in Acts chapter 22 during Paul's defense speech before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. He had just been rescued from a mob. In his speech, he recounts his conversion experience to explain his ministry. He begins by emphasizing his Jewish heritage and his former zealous observance of the Law of Moses. This verse sets the stage for understanding his profound transformation by highlighting the intensity of his previous opposition to Christianity, which he believed was the correct path according to his understanding of God's will.

Acts 22 4 Word Analysis

• Ἐγὼ (Ego): First-person singular pronoun, "I." Emphasizes personal responsibility and direct testimony.
• μὲν (men): A particle used to introduce a clause or statement, often contrasting with a subsequent one. Here it contrasts his past actions with his present defense.
• διε کردم (die kerdon): Present tense of diarekdomai, meaning "to carry through," "to put through," or "to carry from one place to another." Used metaphorically here, it suggests actively bringing about or continuing the action.
• δὲ (de): A conjunction similar to "but" or "and," used to connect or contrast clauses. Here, it connects the first part of his testimony.
• ὣς (hos): Conjunction meaning "as," "like," or "how." It introduces the manner or extent of his actions.
• θανάτου (thanatou): Genitive singular of thanatos, "death." Indicates the extreme measure he took against the followers of Jesus.
• δεσμεύων (desmeuōn): Present participle of desmeuō, meaning "to bind." It describes the act of arresting and imprisoning believers.
• τῇ (tē): Definite article, feminine, dative singular. Points to specific people.
• γυναιξὶν (gunaixin): Dative plural of gynē, "woman." Together with "men," it signifies that believers of both genders were targeted.
• ἐκδιδοὺς (ekdidous): Present participle of ekdidōmi, meaning "to deliver up," "to hand over," or "to give out." Refers to handing over arrested individuals to authorities, likely for imprisonment or punishment.

Phrase/Group Analysis:

• "διε کردم δὲ ὣς θανάτου": This phrase powerfully conveys the extreme extent of his persecution. "I carried it through unto death" implies that he was so committed to eradicating the Way that he pursued it to the point of actively supporting or desiring the death of its adherents. This reflects a dangerous and relentless fervor.
• "δεσμεύων καὶ ἐκδιδοὺς εἰς φυλακὰς ἄνδρας τε καὶ γυναῖκας": This meticulously details the methods of persecution. "Binding and delivering to prison both men and women" paints a vivid picture of the systematic arrest and imprisonment of early Christians. The inclusion of "men and women" shows that no gender was spared in his zealous effort to suppress the movement. This indicates a thorough and comprehensive approach to enforcing his interpretation of religious law.

Acts 22 4 Bonus Section

Paul’s language in this verse reflects the severe penalties that could be incurred for perceived heresy within the Jewish legal framework of the time. The actions he describes—arresting and imprisoning—were consistent with the suppression of religious dissent. His later self-reflection on his actions, especially in his epistles, highlights the concept of acting "in ignorance" (Acts 26:9, 1 Tim 1:13). This theological point emphasizes that while his actions were grave, God’s mercy is available even to those who commit terrible wrongs due to a lack of true understanding, provided they turn to Him. His narrative here serves to establish his deep Jewish roots and the dramatic nature of his conversion, making his testimony to the Gentile and Jewish audiences more impactful by demonstrating the power of the Gospel to transform even the most ardent persecutor.

Acts 22 4 Commentary

Paul is recounting his pre-conversion zeal for Judaism and his fierce opposition to the nascent Christian movement, which he saw as a threat to the established order and a distortion of true worship. He emphasizes the extremity of his actions – pursuing believers to the point of death, arresting both men and women, and handing them over to prison. This was driven by a misplaced passion for the Law and a profound ignorance of Jesus' identity and salvific mission. His later testimony is colored by the recognition of this past error, leading him to express his gratitude for the mercy he received despite his violent actions (1 Tim 1:13). His zeal was genuine, but it was misdirected by a lack of true knowledge and faith in Christ.