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Acts 22:11

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And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

And {G1161} when {G5613} I could {G1689} not {G3756} see {G1689} for {G575} the glory {G1391} of that {G1565} light {G5457}, being led by the hand {G5496} of {G5259} them that were {G4895} with me {G3427}, I came {G2064} into {G1519} Damascus {G1154}.

I had been blinded by the brightness of the light, so my companions led me by the hand into Dammesek.

Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.

And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me I came into Damascus.

Commentary

Acts 22:11 is a pivotal verse in Paul's defense before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, where he recounts his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. This verse highlights his immediate physical incapacitation following his encounter with the resurrected Christ, underscoring the overwhelming power of divine glory.

Context of Acts 22:11

This verse is part of Paul's personal testimony, delivered in Hebrew (or Aramaic) to a hostile Jewish audience in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts chapter 22. He is explaining why he, a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, became a follower of Jesus Christ. The events described here are also found in more narrative form in Acts 9:1-19 and recounted again by Paul before King Agrippa in Acts 26:9-18. The "glory of that light" refers to the intensely bright, supernatural light that shone around him, which was brighter than the midday sun (as mentioned in Acts 26:13).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Encounter and Revelation: The verse emphasizes the direct, overwhelming nature of Paul's encounter with the divine. The "glory of that light" was so intense it caused physical blindness, signifying the profound spiritual revelation he was receiving. It was an undeniable manifestation of God's power and presence.
  • Human Helplessness and Dependence: Paul, formerly a man of immense zeal and self-reliance, was rendered completely helpless, needing to be "led by the hand" by his companions. This physical dependence mirrors his newfound spiritual dependence on God, a stark contrast to his previous self-assuredness.
  • The Cost of True Conversion: For Paul, conversion was not a mere intellectual assent but a radical, life-altering event that involved physical transformation and a complete reorientation of his life's purpose. His blindness was a temporary state that preceded his spiritual sight and new mission.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glory" here is doxa (δόξα), which in biblical contexts often denotes the manifest presence, splendor, or majesty of God. It's the visible expression of God's intrinsic nature and power. The "light" (phos, φῶς) is a powerful biblical symbol for truth, revelation, and the divine presence, contrasting with spiritual darkness and ignorance. Paul's experience was not just a bright light, but a light imbued with divine glory, confirming its supernatural origin and significance.

Practical Application and Reflection

Acts 22:11 serves as a powerful reminder that God can intervene dramatically in anyone's life, even those who are vehemently opposed to Him, like Saul of Tarsus. It teaches us about:

  • God's Sovereign Call: God often chooses unlikely individuals for His purposes, demonstrating His power to transform hearts and lives.
  • The Nature of Revelation: Sometimes, profound spiritual insights come through humbling or even disorienting experiences, stripping away our self-sufficiency.
  • Dependence on God: True spiritual sight often begins when we recognize our own limitations and surrender our control, allowing God to lead us. Just as Paul was led physically, we are called to be led by the Spirit in our spiritual walk (Galatians 5:18).
This verse emphasizes that the journey of faith often involves unexpected turns, profound encounters, and a necessary dependence on divine guidance to lead us where God intends.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 9:8 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Acts 9:9 (3 votes)

    And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

  • Isaiah 42:16 (2 votes)

    And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

  • Acts 13:11 (2 votes)

    And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.