Acts 22:6

And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that, as I made {G4198} my {G3427} journey {G4198}, and {G2532} was come nigh {G1448} unto Damascus {G1154} about {G4012} noon {G3314}, suddenly {G1810} there shone {G4015} from {G1537} heaven {G3772} a great {G2425} light {G5457} round {G4015} about {G4012} me {G1691}.

“As I was traveling and approaching Dammesek, around noon, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven flashed all around me!

About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.

And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and drew nigh unto Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

Commentary

Context

In Acts 22:6, the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) recounts his dramatic conversion experience before a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. This verse is part of his personal testimony, given as a defense against accusations. It details the pivotal moment near Damascus where his life took an unforeseen turn. This account aligns with two other biblical narratives of the event: the initial description in Acts 9:3 and Paul's later defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26:13. At this point, Saul was a zealous persecutor of Christians, traveling with authority to arrest followers of "the Way."

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention: The sudden appearance of a "great light" signifies God's direct and powerful intervention in human affairs. It was not a gradual realization but an immediate, overwhelming revelation from heaven.
  • God's Initiative: This verse highlights that Paul's conversion was not of his own seeking, but a sovereign act of God. Even while actively opposing Christ, God reached out to transform him.
  • The Power of Revelation: The intensity of the light points to the undeniable and transformative power of encountering the living Christ. It was a spiritual awakening that transcended physical sight.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "great light" is significant. The Greek word for "great" (polys) emphasizes the extraordinary intensity and magnitude of this light. It was not merely a bright day; the detail "about noon" further underscores its supernatural nature, as this divine illumination outshone the brightest part of the day, making it unmistakably distinct from natural sunlight. This overwhelming brilliance served as both a physical and spiritual blinding, preparing Saul for a new kind of sight and understanding.

Related Scriptures

The encounter with this glorious light from heaven is a profound moment of divine revelation, echoing themes found elsewhere in scripture. For instance, the concept of God as light is prevalent (e.g., 1 John 1:5), and the transformative power of Christ's light shining into darkness is a core message of the Gospel (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:6).

Practical Application

Acts 22:6 offers several timeless lessons:

  1. No One is Beyond Reach: This verse powerfully demonstrates that God can intercept and transform anyone, regardless of their past actions or current opposition to Him.
  2. The Reality of Encounter: A genuine encounter with Christ, though often less dramatic than Paul's, profoundly changes one's direction and purpose in life.
  3. The Importance of Testimony: Paul's willingness to recount this pivotal moment, even to a hostile audience, highlights the value of sharing one's personal story of God's transformative power.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 9:3

    And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

  • Acts 9:8

    And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus.

  • Revelation 1:16

    And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

  • Acts 26:12

    ¶ Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

  • Acts 26:18

    To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

  • Genesis 15:2

    ¶ And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus?

  • Matthew 17:2

    And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.