As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
As {G5613} also {G2532} the high priest {G749} doth bear {G3140} me {G3427} witness {G3140}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the estate of the elders {G4244}: from {G3844} whom {G3739} also {G2532} I received {G1209} letters {G1992} unto {G4314} the brethren {G80}, and {G2532} went {G4198} to {G1519} Damascus {G1154}, to bring {G71} them which were {G5607} there {G1566} bound {G1210} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, for to {G2443} be punished {G5097}.
The cohen hagadol and the whole Sanhedrin can also testify to this. Indeed, after receiving letters from them to their colleagues in Dammesek, I was on my way there in order to arrest the ones in that city too and bring them back to Yerushalayim for punishment.
as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and journeyed to Damascus to bring them also that were there unto Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
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Acts 9:1
¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, -
Acts 9:2
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. -
Luke 22:66
And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, -
Acts 5:21
And when they heard [that], they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. -
1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. -
Acts 22:1
¶ Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence [which I make] now unto you. -
Acts 9:14
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
In Acts 22:5, the Apostle Paul is recounting his past actions to a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, explaining his zealous commitment to Judaism before his conversion. This verse is part of his defense speech, aiming to establish his former credentials as a devout Jew and persecutor of Christians, thereby highlighting the dramatic nature of his transformation.
Historical and Cultural Context
Paul (then known as Saul) is speaking from the steps of the Roman barracks, having been rescued from a mob in the Temple (Acts 21:30-31). He appeals to the high priest and all the estate of the elders (the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council) as witnesses to his former zeal and authority. These were the leading religious and judicial figures in Jerusalem, and their letters carried significant weight, allowing Paul to pursue "heretics" (early Christians) even beyond the borders of Judea, in places like Damascus. His mission was to apprehend Jewish believers in Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial and punishment under Jewish law, which could include severe beatings or even death.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "all the estate of the elders" refers to the entire body of the Sanhedrin, comprising chief priests, scribes, and elders. The term "bound" (Greek: desmious) clearly indicates that Paul intended to bring the arrested Christians back in chains, signifying their status as prisoners destined for severe judgment. This emphasizes the harshness and legal gravity of his mission.
Related Scriptures
This verse sets the stage for Paul's dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, detailed in Acts 9:1-19 and recounted by Paul himself again in Acts 26:9-18. His pre-conversion actions are also referenced in his letters, such as in Galatians 1:13 where he states, "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it."
Practical Application
Acts 22:5 serves as a powerful reminder of God's incredible ability to transform lives. It shows that even those who are most vehemently opposed to God's purposes can be radically changed by His grace. Paul's past zeal, though misdirected, was eventually channeled into passionate service for Christ. This verse encourages us to understand that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive power and that a fervent commitment, when properly aligned with God's will, can be used for His glory. It also highlights the importance of discerning between true zeal and misguided fervor, reminding us to always test our actions against the truth of God's Word.