Acts 22:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 22:5, the Apostle Paul, during his defense before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, vividly recounts his pre-conversion zeal as a persecutor of Christians. He asserts that the high priest and the entire Sanhedrin bore witness to his mission and provided him with official letters, authorizing him to travel to Damascus. His explicit purpose was to apprehend followers of "the Way" (early Christians) there, bind them, and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment, thereby demonstrating his intense commitment to traditional Judaism and his role in suppressing the nascent Christian movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Paul's impassioned defense speech delivered from the steps of the Roman barracks in Jerusalem, following his arrest in the Temple complex (cf. [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Acts 21:27-36 - Paul's Arrest in the Temple")). Having been granted permission by the Roman commander to address the agitated Jewish crowd, Paul strategically begins his testimony by emphasizing his impeccable Jewish credentials and his former zealous adherence to the Law. By recounting his past as a persecutor, he aims to establish common ground with his audience, highlighting the dramatic and divine nature of his transformation on the road to Damascus, which he will detail immediately after this verse. This speech serves as one of three accounts of Paul's conversion in Acts, each tailored to its specific audience and rhetorical purpose (cf. [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - Paul's Conversion Account 1") and [Acts 26:9-18](/acts/26-9-18 "Acts 26:9-18 - Paul's Conversion Account 3")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's reference to the "high priest" and "all the estate of the elders" points directly to the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council in Jerusalem. In the first century, while under Roman occupation, the Sanhedrin retained significant autonomy over internal Jewish affairs, including the enforcement of religious law. Their authority extended not only within Judea but also, by mutual agreement with Roman authorities and through the network of synagogues, to Jewish communities in the diaspora, such as Damascus. Letters of authorization from the Sanhedrin, like those Paul received, would grant him legal standing within Jewish communities to arrest individuals deemed heretical. Damascus, a major city in Syria, had a significant Jewish population, and early Christianity, initially seen as a Jewish sect, had already gained a foothold there. The "punishment" Paul intended to inflict could range from flogging (cf. [2 Corinthians 11:24](/2_corinthians/11-24 "2 Corinthians 11:24 - Paul's Sufferings")) to imprisonment, and in severe cases, even execution, as evidenced by Stephen's martyrdom (cf. [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54-60 "Acts 7:54-60 - The Stoning of Stephen")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of Acts and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the **intense Jewish opposition to early Christianity**, viewing it as a dangerous deviation from traditional Judaism, a "heresy" that needed to be suppressed. Paul's actions were not random violence but sanctioned religious persecution, highlighting the early church's struggle for survival (cf. [Acts 8:1-3](/acts/8-1-3 "Acts 8:1-3 - Saul's Persecution of the Church")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Paul's pre-conversion zeal and misguided fervor**. Before his encounter with Christ, Paul was utterly convinced he was serving God by persecuting Christians (cf. [Philippians 3:4-6](/philippians/3-4-6 "Philippians 3:4-6 - Paul's Former Credentials")). This extreme commitment, though misdirected, foreshadows the intensity with which he would later serve Christ. Lastly, the verse subtly sets the stage for the theme of **divine sovereignty and radical transformation**. The very man authorized to destroy the church would become its most ardent advocate and missionary, a testament to God's power to redeem and redirect human lives (cf. [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - The Lord's Commission to Ananias Regarding Saul")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **witness (Greek, _martyréō_):** This verb (G3140) means "to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)." Paul uses it here to assert that the highest Jewish religious authorities, the high priest and the elders, could personally attest to his former zeal and the legitimacy of his mission. This legalistic term underscores the official, sanctioned nature of his actions against Christians.
* **estate of the elders (Greek, _presbytérion_):** This noun (G4244) refers to "the order of elders," specifically the Israelite Sanhedrin or a Christian "presbytery." In this context, it unequivocally denotes the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council, comprising chief priests, scribes, and elders. Paul's appeal to their collective witness highlights the institutional backing for his persecution, lending weight to his narrative for his Jewish audience.
* **punished (Greek, _timōréō_):** This verb (G5097) means "to protect one's honor, i.e., to avenge (inflict a penalty)." It signifies the formal, legalistic intent behind Paul's mission. The goal was not merely to apprehend but to bring the accused to Jerusalem for a judicial process that would result in the imposition of a penalty, likely severe, for what was perceived as apostasy or heresy against Jewish law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders:"** Paul begins his defense by appealing to the highest religious authority in Judaism, the Sanhedrin, as corroborating witnesses to his past actions. This statement is a rhetorical move designed to establish his credibility and shared identity with his Jewish audience, demonstrating his former loyalty to their institutions and traditions. He implies that his mission to persecute was not a rogue operation but one sanctioned and supported by the very leaders who would now be judging him.
* **"from whom also I received letters unto the brethren,"** This clause specifies the nature of the Sanhedrin's support: official "letters" or epistles. These documents served as warrants or authorizations, granting Paul the necessary legal and religious authority to pursue and apprehend Jewish believers in Jesus outside of Judea. The term "brethren" here refers to fellow Jews, indicating that Paul's initial targets were Jewish Christians, whom he viewed as misguided or apostate members of the Jewish community.
* **"and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem,"** Paul details the execution of his mission. He traveled to Damascus, a significant Jewish center outside Judea, with the explicit purpose of apprehending those who followed "the Way." The phrase "bound unto Jerusalem" indicates his intent to bring them back as prisoners, likely in chains, for trial and judgment by the Sanhedrin. This highlights the severity and determination of his persecution efforts.
* **"for to be punished."** This final phrase clearly states the ultimate objective of Paul's mission. The arrested Christians were to face formal legal punishment under Jewish law, which could include various forms of corporal punishment, imprisonment, or even death, as seen in the case of Stephen. This underscores the intense and violent opposition faced by the early church from within Judaism.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's account in Acts 22:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Autobiographical Narrative**, where Paul recounts his personal history to establish credibility and explain his dramatic transformation. This personal testimony is framed within a broader **Legal Defense**, as he presents his past actions as evidence for his former zeal, appealing to the "high priest" and "elders" as witnesses, thereby using a form of **Appeal to Authority**. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the verse, as the man who was once authorized to bind and punish Christians for their faith is now himself bound and on trial for proclaiming that same faith. The meticulous detail of his mission – receiving letters, traveling to Damascus, binding, and punishing – serves as **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of authenticity and stark reality to his past actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:5 is a profound testament to the radical transformative power of God's grace. It reveals the depth of human opposition to divine truth, even when driven by sincere religious conviction. Paul, in his pre-conversion state, exemplifies a fervent zeal that, while misdirected, was utterly committed to what he believed was God's will. This verse underscores the theological truth that salvation is not earned through human effort or religious adherence, no matter how zealous, but is a sovereign act of God's grace that can redirect even the most ardent opponents into His most effective servants. It highlights the stark contrast between human attempts to enforce righteousness and God's initiative in bringing about true righteousness through Christ. The persecution described here, sanctioned by the highest Jewish authorities, foreshadows the ongoing conflict between the world and the church, and the divine protection and growth of the early Christian community despite intense opposition.

* [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Persecution and Damascus Mission")
* [Galatians 1:13-14](/galatians/1-13-14 "Galatians 1:13-14 - Paul's Former Life in Judaism")
* [Philippians 3:4-6](/philippians/3-4-6 "Philippians 3:4-6 - Paul's Former Righteousness by the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 22:5 offers a powerful mirror for self-reflection, urging us to examine the source and direction of our own zeal. Paul's story reminds us that fervent religious activity, even when seemingly justified by tradition or authority, can be profoundly misguided if it is not aligned with the true will and nature of God revealed in Christ. It challenges us to consider whether our convictions are rooted in genuine love and truth, or in a zeal that might, unknowingly, oppose God's purposes. The verse also provides immense hope, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive grace. If God could transform a chief persecutor into the Apostle to the Gentiles, He can certainly transform any heart, redirect any life, and use any past for His glory. This should inspire us to pray for and reach out to those who seem most resistant to the Gospel, recognizing that God's power to save transcends all human barriers and preconceptions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's pre-conversion zeal challenge my understanding of what it means to truly serve God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting with misguided fervor, believing I am serving God but potentially opposing His true will?**
* **What does Paul's radical transformation in this context teach me about the extent of God's redemptive power in seemingly impossible situations?**
* **How can I cultivate a zeal for God that is rooted in truth, love, and the Spirit, rather than in human tradition or self-righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Did the Sanhedrin really have authority outside Jerusalem to issue such letters?**

Answer: Yes, within the context of Jewish communities in the Roman Empire, the Sanhedrin, as the supreme Jewish religious and judicial body, held significant authority. While Rome maintained ultimate political control, it generally allowed conquered peoples a degree of internal autonomy, especially in religious matters. The Jewish diaspora, including communities in places like Damascus, maintained strong ties with Jerusalem and often recognized the Sanhedrin's religious authority. Letters from the Sanhedrin would have been respected and acted upon by local synagogue leaders, enabling Paul to carry out his mission to apprehend Jewish Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial under Jewish law. This authority was primarily over Jewish people and their internal religious disputes, not over Roman citizens or gentile populations.

**What was Paul's motivation for persecuting Christians so vehemently?**

Answer: Paul's motivation was rooted in his deep conviction that early Christianity, particularly its claim that Jesus was the Messiah and that salvation came through faith in Him rather than strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, was a dangerous heresy that threatened the purity and integrity of Judaism. He believed he was acting in zealous defense of God's Law and the traditions of his fathers (cf. [Galatians 1:14](/galatians/1-14 "Galatians 1:14 - Paul's Zeal for Judaism")). From his perspective as a Pharisee, a "Hebrew of Hebrews," and a zealous student of the Law (cf. [Philippians 3:5-6](/philippians/3-5-6 "Philippians 3:5-6 - Paul's Jewish Credentials")), the followers of Jesus were blasphemers who deserved punishment. He genuinely believed he was doing God's will by persecuting "the Way" (cf. [Acts 26:9](/acts/26-9 "Acts 26:9 - Paul's Belief in Persecuting Christians")), which makes his subsequent conversion all the more dramatic and miraculous.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 22:5, detailing Paul's relentless persecution of early Christians, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in the actions of Paul himself, but in the sovereign, redemptive power of Jesus Christ. The very mission Paul undertook—to bind and punish those who confessed Jesus as Lord—was utterly subverted and transformed by an encounter with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus (cf. [Acts 9:3-6](/acts/9-3-6 "Acts 9:3-6 - Saul's Encounter with Jesus")). This verse highlights the cosmic conflict between human opposition and divine purpose, ultimately resolved by Christ's triumph. Jesus, the true High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), did not send letters to bind and punish, but sent His Spirit to free and empower. The "punishment" Paul sought to inflict on believers was ultimately borne by Christ Himself on the cross, who was "punished" for the sins of humanity (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Suffering")). Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is a living testament to Christ's ability to redeem the most unlikely individuals, demonstrating that His grace is greater than any sin or misguided zeal (cf. [1 Timothy 1:15-16](/1_timothy/1-15-16 "1 Timothy 1:15-16 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")). Thus, Acts 22:5, though describing a period of intense anti-Christian activity, ultimately serves as a powerful backdrop against which the glorious, transforming power of Christ shines even brighter.

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

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.