Acts 22:15

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

For {G3754} thou shalt be {G2071} his {G846} witness {G3144} unto {G4314} all {G3956} men {G444} of what {G3739} thou hast seen {G3708} and {G2532} heard {G191}.

because you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.

You will be His witness to everyone of what you have seen and heard.

For thou shalt be a witness for him unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 22:15 (KJV)

Acts 22:15 records a pivotal moment in the life of Saul, soon to be known as the Apostle Paul. These words are spoken by Ananias, a devout believer in Damascus, who has been sent by God to meet Saul after his dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ananias is here commissioning Saul for his divine mission, emphasizing the scope and basis of his future ministry.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's defense speech before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, where he recounts his conversion story. He describes how, after being struck blind on the road to Damascus, he was led into the city where Ananias visited him. Ananias, acting as God's messenger, not only restored Saul's sight and facilitated his baptism but also revealed God's specific calling for him. The immediate preceding verse (Acts 22:14) states that God had chosen Saul to know His will, see the Just One, and hear His voice. Verse 15 then elaborates on the purpose of this divine encounter: to become a witness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Commission: The phrase "thou shalt be his witness" signifies a direct, divine appointment. Saul's future role as an apostle is not self-appointed but a calling from God, revealed through Ananias. This underscores the sovereignty of God in choosing His instruments for ministry.
  • Universal Scope of Ministry: The declaration "unto all men" is profoundly significant. It foreshadows Paul's lifelong mission to preach the Gospel not just to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). This breaks down traditional barriers and emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Christian message.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: The foundation of Paul's powerful evangelism is rooted in "what thou hast seen and heard." His personal, direct encounter with the resurrected Jesus Christ on the Damascus road provided an undeniable basis for his apostleship and the authenticity of his message. He was not merely repeating hearsay but testifying to a profound, life-altering experience. This aligns with the apostolic requirement of having seen the risen Lord, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:1.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "witness" is martys (μάρτυς), from which we derive the English word "martyr." This term implies not just someone who observes and reports, but one who testifies to a truth, often enduring hardship or even death for that testimony. Paul's life, marked by immense suffering for the sake of the Gospel, certainly embodied the full meaning of martys.

The phrase "unto all men" (Greek: pros pantas anthropous) reinforces the comprehensive and global nature of the mission. It highlights that the message of salvation through Christ is intended for every person, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

Practical Application

Acts 22:15 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Every Believer is a Witness: While Paul had a unique apostolic calling, the principle of being a "witness" applies to all Christians. We are called to share what we have "seen and heard" – our personal experience of Jesus Christ and the truth of His Gospel – with those around us.
  • The Power of Personal Testimony: Our own encounters with God, how He has worked in our lives, and the truths we have learned from His Word, form a powerful and authentic basis for sharing our faith.
  • The Universal Call to Share: The command "unto all men" reminds us that the Gospel is for everyone. We should strive to overcome personal biases and reach out with the love of Christ to people from all walks of life, reflecting the heart of God for the world (John 3:16).
  • God's Commissioning: Just as God commissioned Paul, He equips and empowers believers today through the Holy Spirit to fulfill their unique roles in spreading His message, echoing the promise in Acts 1:8.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 23:11

    And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

  • Acts 4:20

    For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

  • John 15:27

    And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

  • Acts 1:8

    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

  • Luke 24:47

    And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

  • Luke 24:48

    And ye are witnesses of these things.

  • Acts 27:24

    Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
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