New Testament
Acts 22:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The high priest and the entire council of elders can testify to this. I also received letters from them to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there to bring those who were there back to Jerusalem in chains to be punished.
Compare translations
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.
What Acts 22:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Paul is recounting his past actions to a crowd. He emphasizes that the high priest and the council of elders can confirm his story. Paul had received official letters from them, which authorized him to go to Damascus. His mission was to capture followers of Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. This shows how deeply he was involved in persecuting Christians before his transformation. Paul’s experience highlights the intensity of his previous beliefs and actions. It also sets the stage for his dramatic change of heart later in the story. His testimony serves as a reminder of how people can change and find new purpose in life, regardless of their past. This moment is crucial in understanding the journey of faith and redemption that many experience in their lives today. It illustrates the power of personal transformation and the impact of one's choices on their future path. Paul’s story encourages us to reflect on our own journeys and the potential for change.
How to apply Acts 22:5 to your life
Reflect on your own life and consider how your past experiences shape who you are today. Just like Paul, you can change your path and find new purpose. Embrace the possibility of transformation and be open to new beginnings. Your story can inspire others to seek change as well. Remember, it’s never too late to start anew and make a difference in the world around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: Saul Persecutes the Church (Acts 22:4–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 22:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 22:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 22:5 mean?
Acts 22:5 recounts Paul’s past as a persecutor of Christians, emphasizing that he had the authority from the high priest and council to arrest followers of Jesus in Damascus. This verse highlights his commitment to his beliefs before his transformation.
What is the significance of the high priest in Acts 22:5?
The high priest's mention in Acts 22:5 underscores the official endorsement Paul had for his actions against Christians, showing the extent of his involvement in persecution and the seriousness of his mission.
What does Paul mean by 'bringing them bound to Jerusalem' in Acts 22:5?
In Acts 22:5, when Paul refers to 'bringing them bound to Jerusalem,' he means that he intended to capture Christians and return them for punishment, illustrating the severity of his earlier actions against the faith.
How does Acts 22:5 relate to Paul's transformation?
Acts 22:5 sets the stage for Paul's transformation by showing his previous life as a persecutor of Christians, which makes his later conversion and mission to spread the Gospel even more impactful.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.