Acts 22:7 kjv
And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 22:7 nkjv
And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'
Acts 22:7 niv
I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?'
Acts 22:7 esv
And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
Acts 22:7 nlt
I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
Acts 22 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 9:15 | "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine...'" | Paul's initial calling |
| Romans 11:13 | "...insofar then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles..." | Paul's apostleship to Gentiles |
| 1 Corinthians 1:27 | "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world..." | God's choice of the unlikely |
| Galatians 1:16 | "...to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles..." | Revelation of Christ in Paul for Gentiles |
| Ephesians 3:8 | "...to me, who am less than the least of all the saints..." | Paul's humility regarding his ministry |
| 1 Timothy 2:7 | "For which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." | Paul's appointment as preacher and apostle |
| 1 Timothy 3:16 | "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness..." | Godliness revealed |
| 2 Timothy 2:10 | "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." | Endurance for the sake of the elect |
| Revelation 7:9 | "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues..." | Universal representation in heaven |
| Isaiah 49:6 | "...Indeed He says, 'I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You may be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'" | Messianic prophecy of light to the Gentiles |
| Acts 26:16-18 | "But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you as a minister and witness... delivering you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light..." | Jesus commissioning Paul |
| Matthew 28:19-20 | "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them..." | The Great Commission |
| Jeremiah 1:5 | "'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.'" | God's foreknowledge and calling of prophets |
| Psalm 2:7-8 | "'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.'" | Messianic Psalm |
| Acts 22:21 | "'Depart! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" | Previous instruction to Paul |
| Romans 1:5 | "...through whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name..." | Grace and apostleship for all nations |
| 1 Corinthians 15:10 | "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain..." | The unmerited favor of God |
| Acts 10:34-35 | "Then Peter opened his mouth and said: 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.'" | God's impartiality |
| Romans 15:15-16 | "...that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." | Paul as minister to Gentiles |
| 2 Corinthians 4:5 | "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake." | Preaching Christ Jesus the Lord |
Acts 22 verses
Acts 22 7 Meaning
As Paul addressed the crowd, the Lord instructed him, "Depart; for he is a chosen vessel of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." This signifies a divine mandate for Paul, marking him as a unique instrument chosen by God. His mission is clearly defined: to proclaim Jesus' name to specific groups—Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. This appointment highlights God's sovereign choice and purpose in Paul's life and ministry, transcending cultural and societal boundaries.
Acts 22 7 Context
In Acts chapter 22, Paul is recounting his conversion experience before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. He has just spoken of being sent to the Gentiles, which incited further rage, leading the commander to plan to interrogate him by scourging. It is at this moment, under duress and a profound heavenly encounter, that Jesus Himself speaks to Paul. This specific verse comes within Paul's narrative of his divine appointment and underscores the core mission entrusted to him, clarifying his unique role in God's redemptive plan for both Jewish people and the Gentile nations.
Acts 22 7 Word Analysis
- "And Said": Continues the narrative flow, indicating divine speech following the commotion.
- "Unto Me": Emphasizes the direct address and personal nature of the instruction from Jesus to Paul.
- "Depart": (Greek: "upage," pronounced oo-pah-geh). Means "go away," "depart," or "go forth." It signifies a command to move from the immediate location, likely due to the imminent danger from the crowd. This mirrors the divine command given in Acts 22:22.
- "For": (Greek: "hoti," pronounced hot-ee). A conjunction introducing the reason or purpose for the command to depart.
- "He": Refers to Paul himself, highlighting him as the subject of God's specific purpose.
- "Is": Denotes a present and ongoing state of being and purpose.
- "A Chosen": (Greek: "ekletos," pronounced ek-lay-tos). Means "chosen," "elect," or "selected." It points to a divine selection, set apart by God for a particular service or destiny, aligning with the concept of election found throughout Scripture.
- "Vessel": (Greek: "skeuos," pronounced sky-oos). Refers to an instrument, a container, or a tool. In this context, it denotes Paul as an instrument or vessel for carrying and imparting something important, namely the name of Jesus. This imagery of vessels is used elsewhere in Scripture for people God uses.
- "Of Mine": Indicates possession and ownership by God, highlighting His sovereign authority over Paul's life and mission.
- "To Bear": (Greek: "bastazō," pronounced bah-sta-zoh). Means "to carry," "to bear," "to support," or "to carry away." It signifies the responsibility Paul has to carry or transport something vital.
- "My Name": (Greek: "onoma," pronounced on-o-mah). Refers to the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of Jesus Christ. Bearing His name means representing Him and proclaiming who He is and what He has done.
- "Before": (Greek: "enōpion," pronounced en-o-pee-on). Signifies "in the presence of" or "before the face of."
- "The Gentiles": (Greek: "ta ethnē," pronounced tah eth-nay). Refers to the non-Jewish nations, people groups, or gentiles. This clearly states a major audience for Paul's ministry.
- "And": Connects the distinct groups Paul is to minister to.
- "Kings": (Greek: "basileōn," pronounced bah-sil-ay-on). Refers to rulers or monarchs. This highlights that Paul's ministry would extend to the highest levels of political authority.
- "And": Again, linking the groups.
- "Children of Israel": (Greek: "huiōn Israel," pronounced hoo-yee-on Is-rah-el). Refers to the descendants of Jacob, the Jewish people. This clarifies that his mission also included reaching his own people with the gospel, albeit often after ministering to Gentiles.
Words-Group By Words-Group Analysis:
- "He is a chosen vessel of Mine": This phrase emphasizes divine selection and purpose. Paul is not self-appointed but is explicitly chosen by God for a specific function. The term "vessel" suggests he is an instrument God will fill and use, demonstrating God's power through him.
- "to bear My name": This succinctly encapsulates the essence of gospel ministry. It's not about bearing his own name or agenda, but Christ's. This means proclaiming Christ's identity, authority, and salvation.
- "before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel": This tripartite audience is crucial. It outlines the comprehensive scope of Paul's apostolic commission, ensuring that the gospel would reach across ethnic, national, social, and political divides.
Acts 22 7 Bonus Section
The inclusion of "kings" is significant. Throughout his ministry, Paul did indeed appear before kings and rulers, such as Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25-26) and Festus, the Roman governor. This demonstrates the far-reaching impact and official nature of the gospel message Paul was commissioned to carry. The "children of Israel" aspect is also crucial, as Paul consistently began his evangelistic efforts in synagogues within cities (Acts 13:5, 14, 42; 14:1; 17:1-2, 10; 18:4, 7, 19). This systematic approach, fulfilling his mandate, highlights God's plan to reach both the covenant people and the nations.
Acts 22 7 Commentary
This verse is a pivotal declaration of Paul's divine mandate, reinforcing what was initially stated in Acts 9:15. Jesus personally appears to Paul to confirm and elaborate on his apostolic calling. The key points are God's sovereign choice ("chosen vessel"), the purpose of bearing Christ's name (representing Jesus), and the intended audience (Gentiles, kings, and Jews). This instruction was given in a moment of crisis, assuring Paul that his mission was divinely ordained, not dependent on the acceptance or understanding of the immediate crowd. It foreshadows the immense scope and significant challenges of his future ministry. This verse encapsulates the heart of Paul's apostleship, highlighting the "grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name" (Romans 1:5).