Acts 22:13

Came vnto me, and stood, & said vnto me, Brother Saul, receiue thy sight. And the same houre I looked vp vpon him. Acts 22:13 (KJV)

To gain a deeper understanding of Acts 22:13, it is important to examine the surrounding verses and the overall context. In Acts 22, Paul recounts his conversion experience to the crowd, describing his encounter with Jesus and his subsequent mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

The quotation often cited as “Then he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.” is not found in Acts 22:13 or elsewhere in the New Testament.

God of the fathers: In his speech Paul refers to God as the one who called him, emphasizing the continuity between the faith of the early Jewish believers and their relationship with God throughout history. This highlights the significance of God’s plan and purpose.

Called for a purpose: Paul indicates that God chose him with a specific purpose in mind. That purpose includes knowing God’s will, seeing the risen Christ (the Just One), and hearing his voice. These elements are reflected in Paul’s description of his encounter on the road to Damascus, where he was struck by a blinding light and heard Jesus speak (cf. Acts 9:3‑6).

Knowing God’s will: Paul’s sense of being chosen implies an intimate knowledge of God’s will. This suggests that his role as an apostle was not the result of personal merit or ambition but was divinely ordained. He would go on to proclaim the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, playing a pivotal role in the early spread of Christianity.

Seeing the risen One: Paul’s encounter with Jesus was a transformative experience. He saw Jesus as the righteous and innocent One, recognizing his divine nature and the truth of his message. This encounter not only changed Paul’s life but also redirected the course of his ministry.

Hearing the voice of Jesus: Acts 22:14 records that God spoke directly to Paul, commissioning him for his future mission. This communication signifies a direct revelation and demonstrates the authority with which Paul later preached the Gospel.

Overall, the passage underscores God’s sovereign choice of Paul, his divine appointment, and the purpose behind his calling. It highlights the importance of knowing God’s will, encountering the risen Christ, and the authority that comes from hearing his voice—key elements of Paul’s personal testimony and his subsequent journey as a messenger of the Gospel to the Gentiles.