And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
And I {G3739} persecuted {G1377} this {G5026} way {G3598} unto {G891} the death {G2288}, binding {G1195} and {G2532} delivering {G3860} into {G1519} prisons {G5438} both {G5037} men {G435} and {G2532} women {G1135}.
I persecuted to death the followers of this Way, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.
I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison,
and I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
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Acts 22:19
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: -
Acts 22:20
And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. -
Acts 26:9
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. -
Acts 26:11
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities. -
1 Timothy 1:13
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief. -
1 Timothy 1:15
This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. -
1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Context
In Acts 22:4, the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) is recounting his dramatic personal testimony to a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. He is defending himself against accusations of defiling the Temple and teaching against Jewish law. By starting with his zealous past, Paul aims to establish common ground with his audience, highlighting his former adherence to Judaism and his intense opposition to the nascent Christian movement. This verse starkly contrasts his life before his conversion on the road to Damascus, emphasizing the profound transformation wrought by God's grace.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "this way" is a crucial term in early Acts, referring to the emerging Christian movement. In the Greek, it is hodos (ὁδός), meaning "road," "path," or "way." It signifies more than just a set of beliefs; it denotes a distinctive lifestyle, a manner of conduct, and a spiritual journey centered on following Jesus. This term aligns with Jesus' own declaration in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." For early believers, Christianity was not merely a religion but "the Way" to God.
Related Scriptures
Paul's account of his persecution is consistent with other passages detailing his pre-conversion activities. His presence and approval at the stoning of Stephen are recorded in Acts 7:58 and Acts 8:1. The intensity of his initial mission to Damascus to arrest Christians is further described in Acts 9:1-2. Paul also reiterates this aspect of his testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26:9-11.
Practical Application
Paul's stark confession in Acts 22:4 offers several timeless lessons: