Acts 22:14

KJV

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, The God {G2316} of our {G2257} fathers {G3962} hath chosen {G4400} thee {G4571}, that thou shouldest know {G1097} his {G846} will {G2307}, and {G2532} see {G1492} that Just One {G1342}, and {G2532} shouldest hear {G191} the voice {G5456} of {G1537} his {G846} mouth {G4750}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, ‘The God of our fathers determined in advance that you should know his will, see the Tzaddik and hear his voice;

Berean Standard Bible

Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear His voice.

American Standard Version

And he said, The God of our fathers hath appointed thee to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 22:14 captures the divine commission given by Ananias to Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, immediately following his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus road. This pivotal verse reveals God's sovereign election of Paul for a unique purpose: to intimately understand His divine will, to personally behold the resurrected "Just One" (Jesus Christ), and to receive direct, authoritative revelation from Him, thereby preparing Paul for his unparalleled apostolic ministry to the Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's impassioned defense before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, as recorded in [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense Before the Crowd"). Having been seized and about to be scourged, Paul appeals to his Jewish heritage and recounts his transformative conversion experience. Acts 22:14 specifically details the words spoken by Ananias, a devout Jew, to Saul in Damascus, confirming the divine origin and specific nature of Saul's calling. This account parallels and elaborates upon the initial narrative of Paul's conversion found in [Acts 9](/acts/9 "Acts 9 - Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry") and is further corroborated by Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in [Acts 26](/acts/26 "Acts 26 - Paul's Defense Before Agrippa"). The repetition of this narrative underscores its foundational importance to Paul's identity and apostolic authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's address in [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense Before the Crowd") takes place in Jerusalem, a city charged with religious and nationalistic fervor. The Jewish crowd, incensed by Paul's perceived defilement of the Temple and his teaching about Gentiles, represents the staunch traditionalism of first-century Judaism. Ananias, described in [Acts 22:12](/acts/22-12 "Acts 22:12 - Ananias's Reputation") as "a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there," serves as a credible messenger to Saul within this Jewish context. The reference to "the God of our fathers" (a common Jewish designation for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) would resonate deeply with the Jewish audience, emphasizing the continuity of God's work from the patriarchs to this new revelation concerning Jesus. This cultural bridge was crucial for Ananias to communicate God's message to Saul, a zealous Pharisee.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 22:14 powerfully articulates several overarching themes central to the book of Acts and Pauline theology. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, demonstrating that God actively chooses individuals for His specific purposes, as He did with the patriarchs and prophets. Paul's calling is not accidental but a predetermined divine appointment, echoing God's election of Israel and His continued work through chosen vessels. The verse also emphasizes **Revelation and Knowledge of God's Will**, underscoring that God desires His servants to understand His purposes, not merely to act blindly. This personal revelation is foundational to effective ministry, as seen in Paul's subsequent mission to the Gentiles, a task revealed to him by Christ (cf. [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul Chosen to Bear Christ's Name to Gentiles")). Furthermore, the direct encounter with "that Just One" and hearing "the voice of his mouth" signifies the theme of **Personal Encounter with the Risen Christ**, which authenticates apostleship and provides the necessary authority for proclaiming the Gospel. This direct encounter is a recurring motif in the New Testament, validating the apostles' witness to Christ's resurrection (cf. [1 Corinthians 9:1](/1_corinthians/9-1 "1 Corinthians 9:1 - Paul's Apostolic Authority")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Greek, _procheirízomai'_):** From G4400, meaning "to handle for oneself in advance, i.e. (figuratively) to purpose." This word emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and pre-determination in selecting Saul. It signifies a deliberate, purposeful act of God, not a random occurrence or human decision. Saul was not merely called but specifically "chosen" or "appointed" by God for a unique task even before his conversion.
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** From G1097, meaning "to 'know' (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications... to be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand." This refers to an intimate, experiential knowledge of God's will, not merely intellectual assent. It implies a deep, personal understanding and apprehension of God's specific plan and purpose for Paul's life and ministry, a knowledge that would guide his every action.
* **Just One (Greek, _díkaios'_):** From G1342, meaning "equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):--just, meet, right(-eous)." This title unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ, highlighting His perfect righteousness, sinlessness, and moral purity. It underscores His unique status as the innocent and righteous one, who was unjustly condemned, and whose righteousness is foundational to the Gospel message. This designation contrasts sharply with the sinfulness of humanity and points to Christ as the righteous sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority behind Ananias's words. The phrase "the God of our fathers" connects God's action to the covenant history of Israel, emphasizing continuity with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The verb "hath chosen" (G4400, _procheirízomai_) highlights God's sovereign, purposeful selection of Saul for a specific, pre-determined role, underscoring that Paul's calling was not accidental but divinely ordained.
* **"that thou shouldest know his will":** This specifies the first purpose of God's choice: for Paul to gain an intimate, experiential understanding of God's divine plan and purpose. This "will" (G2307, _thélēma_) encompasses God's specific intentions for Paul's life and ministry, particularly his mission to the Gentiles. It implies a revelation of truth and a deep comprehension of God's mind concerning His redemptive purposes.
* **"and see that Just One":** This identifies the second, crucial purpose: a direct, personal encounter with Jesus Christ, referred to as "that Just One" (G1342, _díkaios_). This seeing (G1492, _eídō_) is not merely a physical observation but a profound, revelatory vision that serves as the foundation for Paul's apostolic witness. The title "Just One" emphasizes Christ's perfect righteousness and blameless character, essential for His role as Savior.
* **"and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth":** This third purpose signifies a direct, audible, and authoritative communication from Jesus. This hearing (G191, _akoúō_) implies more than just perceiving sound; it denotes understanding and receiving divine instruction and commission directly from Christ's own mouth (G4750, _stóma_). This personal revelation and direct instruction from the risen Lord provided Paul with the unique authority and content for his apostolic message.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition of Paul's conversion narrative in Acts, underscoring the divine origin and pivotal nature of his calling. The use of **Titles** like "the God of our fathers" connects the new revelation to the established covenant history, providing a sense of continuity and legitimacy for a Jewish audience. The most prominent title, "that Just One," functions as a powerful **epithet** for Jesus, highlighting His righteousness and serving as a theological statement about His character and redemptive work. The structure of the verse, listing three distinct purposes ("know his will," "see that Just One," "hear the voice of his mouth"), creates a sense of **progression** and **climax**, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's preparation for Paul's ministry. This tripartite structure also serves as a form of **parallelism**, emphasizing the distinct yet interconnected aspects of Paul's divine commission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:14 profoundly illustrates the themes of divine election, personal revelation, and the foundational nature of an encounter with the risen Christ for apostolic ministry. God's sovereign choice of Paul, a former persecutor, demonstrates His redemptive power and His ability to transform even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes. The emphasis on knowing God's will, seeing the Just One, and hearing His voice highlights the intimate and direct relationship God establishes with those He calls, providing them with both understanding and authority. This verse provides a theological blueprint for understanding the source and nature of true spiritual authority, which flows directly from divine initiative and personal revelation from Christ. It underscores that God's plan is meticulously detailed, encompassing both the recipient's inner understanding and outward witness.

* [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - God's Purpose for Paul's Ministry")
* [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel Received by Revelation")
* [1 Corinthians 9:1](/1_corinthians/9-1 "1 Corinthians 9:1 - Paul's Claim to Apostleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 22:14 serves as a profound reminder that God is a God of purpose and intentionality, actively involved in the lives of His people. Just as He had a specific, pre-ordained plan for Paul, so too does He have a unique design for every believer. This verse encourages us to seek not only to know *about* God's will but to genuinely *know* His will for our lives through intimate communion and diligent study of His Word. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, personal encounter with Jesus Christ, recognizing that true spiritual insight and effective service flow from a vibrant relationship with the "Just One." Furthermore, it calls us to develop a listening ear, attuning ourselves to the voice of God, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit's promptings, or the wise counsel of others. Our lives, like Paul's, are meant to be lived in alignment with God's divine purpose, empowered by His revelation and guided by His voice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God's sovereign choice or calling in your life?**
* **How do you actively seek to know God's will for your daily decisions and long-term direction?**
* **What does "seeing that Just One" mean for your personal relationship with Jesus Christ today?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to "hear the voice of his mouth" in your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the God of our fathers" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the God of our fathers" (G2316, _theós_ of G2257, _hēmōn_ G3962, _patḗr_) is a deeply significant Jewish theological term, referring to the covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Its use by Ananias in [Acts 22:14](/acts/22-14 "Acts 22:14 - God's Calling of Paul") serves several crucial purposes. First, it establishes continuity, emphasizing that the God who called Paul is the same God who has been active in Israel's history, thus legitimizing Paul's new commission within a traditional Jewish framework. Second, it would have resonated powerfully with the Jewish audience Paul was addressing in [Acts 22](/acts/22 "Acts 22 - Paul's Defense Before the Crowd"), presenting his experience not as a break from Judaism but as a deeper revelation of the God his fathers worshipped. It underscores that Paul's encounter with the risen Christ was not a departure from his ancestral faith but a deeper revelation of the God his fathers worshipped.

**Why is Jesus referred to as "that Just One"?**

Answer: Jesus is referred to as "that Just One" (G1342, _díkaios_) to emphasize His perfect righteousness, moral purity, and blamelessness. This title is used elsewhere in Acts by Peter [Acts 3:14](/acts/3-14 "Acts 3:14 - Peter's Sermon, Calling Jesus the Holy and Just One") and Stephen [Acts 7:52](/acts/7-52 "Acts 7:52 - Stephen's Accusation of Killing the Just One"), highlighting a key theological understanding of early Christians regarding Christ's character. In the context of Paul's conversion, seeing "that Just One" means encountering the sinless Son of God, whose righteousness stands in stark contrast to humanity's sinfulness, including Paul's own zealous persecution of Christians. This encounter with the perfectly righteous Christ was foundational to Paul's understanding of salvation by grace through faith, as he later articulated in his epistles (e.g., [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The title underscores Jesus's qualification as the spotless Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice for sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 22:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is explicitly identified as "that Just One." Paul's encounter on the Damascus road was not merely a spiritual experience but a direct, personal revelation of the resurrected Lord, foundational to his apostleship. Jesus, the "Just One," is the embodiment of God's will and the very voice of God made manifest. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ fully revealed the Father's will for humanity's salvation, becoming the means by which all may "know his will" and "hear the voice of his mouth." Paul's commission to see and hear Christ foreshadows the New Covenant reality where believers, through faith in the "Just One," are granted access to God's will and His living Word. As the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith"), Christ is the one through whom God speaks His final and complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaking Through His Son")). Paul's calling, therefore, is a microcosm of the broader redemptive work of Christ, who enables all who believe to encounter Him, understand God's purposes, and be empowered to live according to His divine design, ultimately pointing to Him as the center of all revelation and salvation ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 1:12

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Acts 26:16

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

1 Corinthians 15:8

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

1 Corinthians 9:1

¶ Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

1 John 2:1

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Romans 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,