Acts 22:7-30
I fell ( επεσα ). Second aorist active indicative with -α rather than επεσον, the usual form of πιπτω.Unto the ground ( εις το εδαφος ). Old word, here alone in N.T. So the verb εδαφιζω, is in Lu 19:44 alone in the N.T.
A voice saying ( φωνης λεγουσης ). Genitive after ηκουσα, though in 26:14 the accusative is used after ηκουσα, as in 22:14 after ακουσα, either being allowable. See on 9:7 for discussion of the difference in case. Saul's name repeated each time (9:4; 22:7; 26:14). Same question also in each report: "Why persecuted thou me?" ( Τ με διωκεισ? ). These piercing words stuck in Paul's mind.
Of Nazareth ( ο Ναζωραιος ). The Nazarene, not in 9:5; 26:15 and here because Jesus is mentioned now for the first time in the address. The form Ναζωραιος as in Mt 2:23 (which see) is used also in 24:5 for the followers of Jesus instead of Ναζαρηνος as in Mr 1:24, etc. (which see).
But they heard not the voice ( την δε φωνην ουκ ηκουσαν ). The accusative here may be used rather than the genitive as in verse 7 to indicate that those with Paul did not understand what they heard (9:7) just as they beheld the light (22:9), but did not see Jesus (9:7). The difference in cases allows this distinction, though it is not always observed as just noticed about 22:14; 26:14. The verb ακουω is used in the sense of understand (Mr 4:33; 1Co 14:2). It is one of the evidences of the genuineness of this report of Paul's speech that Luke did not try to smooth out apparent discrepancies in details between the words of Paul and his own record already in ch. 9. The Textus Receptus adds in this verse: "And they became afraid" ( κα εμφοβο εγενοντο ). Clearly not genuine.
Into Damascus ( εις Δαμασκον ). In 9:6 simply "into the city" ( εις την πολιν ).
Of all things which ( περ παντων ων ). Hων, relative plural attracted to genitive of antecedent from accusative α, object of ποιησα (do).
Are appointed for thee ( τετακτα σο ). Perfect passive indicative of τασσω, to appoint, to order, with dative σο. Compare with οτ σε δε of 9:6. The words were spoken to Paul, of course, in the Aramaic, Saoul, Saoul.
I could not see ( ουκ ενεβλεπον ). Imperfect active of εμβλεπω, I was not seeing, same fact stated in 9:8. Here the reason as "for the glory of that light" ( απο της δοξης του φωτος εκεινου ).
Being led by the hand ( χειραγωγουμενος ). Present passive participle of χειραγωγεω, the same verb used in 9:8 ( χειραγωγουντες ) which see. Late verb, in the N.T. only in these two places. In LXX.
A devout man according to the law ( ευλαβης κατα τον νομον ). See on 2:5; 8:2; Lu 2:25 for the adjective ευλαβης. Paul adds "according to the law" to show that he was introduced to Christianity by a devout Jew and no law-breaker (Lewin).
I looked up on him ( αναβλεψα εις αυτον ). First aorist active indicative and same word as αναβλεψον (Receive thy sight). Hence here the verb means as the margin of the Revised Version has it: "I received my sight and looked upon him." For "look up" see Joh 9:11.
Hath appointed thee ( προεχειρισατο ). First aorist middle indicative of προχειριζω, old verb to put forth into one's hands, to take into one's hands beforehand, to plan, propose, determine. In the N.T. only in Ac 3:20; 22:14; 26:16. Three infinitives after this verb of God's purpose about Paul:
to know ( γνωνα, second aorist active of γινωσκω ) his will,
to see ( ιδειν, second aorist active of οραω ) the Righteous One (cf. 3:14),
to hear ( ακουσα, first aorist active of ακουω ) a voice from his mouth.
A witness for him ( μαρτυς αυτω ). As in 1:8.
Of what ( ων ). Attraction of the accusative relative α to the genitive case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτων.
Thou hast seen and heard ( εωρακας, present perfect active indicative κα ηκουσας, first aorist active indicative). This subtle change of tense is not preserved in the English. Blass properly cites the perfect εωρακα in 1Co 9:1 as proof of Paul's enduring qualification for the apostleship.
By baptized ( βαπτισα ). First aorist middle (causative), not passive, Get thyself baptized (Robertson, Grammar, p. 808). Cf. 1Co 10:2. Submit yourself to baptism. So as to απολουσα, Get washed off as in 1Co 6:11. It is possible, as in 2:38, to take these words as teaching baptismal remission or salvation by means of baptism, but to do so is in my opinion a complete subversion of Paul's vivid and picturesque language. As in Ro 6:4-6 where baptism is the picture of death, burial and resurrection, so here baptism pictures the change that had already taken place when Paul surrendered to Jesus on the way (verse 10). Baptism here pictures the washing away of sins by the blood of Christ.
When I had returned ( μο υποστρεψαντ ),
while I prayed ( προσευχομενου μου ),
I fell ( γενεσθα με ). Note dative μο with εγενετο as in verse 6, genitive μου (genitive absolute with προσευχομενου ), accusative of general reference με with γενεσθα, and with no effort at uniformity, precisely as in 15:22, 23 which see. The participle is especially liable to such examples of anacolutha (Robertson, Grammar, p. 439).
Saw him saying ( ιδειν αυτον λεγοντα ). The first visit after his conversion when they tried to kill him in Jerusalem (9:29).
Because ( διοτι, δια and οτ ),
for that.
Imprisoned and beat ( ημην φυλακιζων κα δερων ). Periphrastic imperfect active of φυλακιζω (LXX and late Koine, here alone in the N.T.) and δερω (old verb to skin, to beat as in Mt 21:35 which see).
In every synagogue ( κατα τας συναγογας ). Up and down ( κατα ) in the synagogues.
Was shed ( εξεχυννετο ). Imperfect passive of εκχυννω (see on Mt 23:35), was being shed.
Witness ( μαρτυρος ). And "martyr" also as in Re 2:13; 17:6. Transition state for the word here.
I also was standing by ( κα αυτος ημην εφεστως ). Periphrastic second past perfect in form, but imperfect (linear) in sense since εστωσ=ισταμενος (intransitive).
Consenting ( συνευδοκων ). The very word used by Luke in Ac 8:1 about Paul. Koine word for being pleased at the same time with (cf. Lu 11:48). Paul adds here the item of "guarding the clothes of those who were slaying ( αναιρουντων as in Lu 23:32; Ac 12:2) him" (Stephen). Paul recalls the very words of protest used by him to Jesus. He did not like the idea of running away to save his own life right where he had helped slay Stephen. He is getting on dangerous ground.
I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles ( Εγω εις εθνη μακραν εξαποστελω σε ). Future active of the double ( εξ, out, απο, off or away) compound of εξαποστελλω, common word in the Koine (cf. Lu 24:49). This is a repetition by Jesus of the call given in Damascus through Ananias (9:15). Paul had up till now avoided the word Gentiles, but at last it had to come, "the fatal word" (Farrar).
They gave him audience ( ηκουον ). Imperfect active, they kept on listening, at least with respectful attention.
Unto this word ( αχρ τουτου του λογου ). But "this word" was like a spark in a powder magazine or a torch to an oil tank. The explosion of pent-up indignation broke out instantly worse than at first (21:30).
Away with such a fellow from the earth ( Αιρε απο της γης τον τοιουτον ). They renew the cry with the very words in 21:36, but with "from the earth" for vehemence.
For it is not fit ( ου γαρ καθηκεν ). Imperfect active of καθηκω, old verb to come down to, to become, to fit. In the N.T. only here and Ro 1:28. The imperfect is a neat Greek idiom for impatience about an obligation: It was not fitting, he ought to have been put to death long ago. The obligation is conceived as not lived up to like our "ought" (past of owe). See Robertson, Grammar, p. 886.
As they cried out ( κραυγαζοντων αυτων ). Genitive absolute with present active participle of κραυγαζω, a rare word in the old Greek from κραυγη (a cry). See on Mt 12:19. Two other genitive absolutes here, ριπτουντων (throwing off, present active participle, frequent active variation of ριπτω ) and βαλλοντων (present active participle of βαλλω, flinging). These present participles give a lively picture of the uncontrolled excitement of the mob in their spasm of wild rage.
That he be examined by scourging ( μαστιξιν ανεταζεσθα αυτον ). The present passive infinitive of ανεταζω in indirect command after ειπας (bidding). This verb does not occur in the old Greek (which used εξεταζω as in Mt 2:8), first in the LXX, in the N.T. only here and verse 29, but Milligan and Moulton's Vocabulary quotes an Oxyrhynchus papyrus of A.D. 127 which has a prefect using the word directing government clerks to "examine" ( ανεταζειν ) documents and glue them together into volumes ( τομο ). The word was evidently in use for such purposes. It was a kind of "third degree" applied to Paul by the use of scourges ( μαστιξιν ), instrumental plural of μαστιξ, old word for whip, as in Heb 11:36. But this way of beginning an inquiry by torture (inquisition) was contrary to Roman law (Page): Non esse a tormentis incipiendum, Divus Augustus statuit.
That he might know ( ινα επιγνω ). Final clause with ινα and second aorist active subjunctive of επιγνωσκω (full knowledge). Lysias was as much in the dark as ever, for Paul's speech had been in Aramaic and this second explosion was a mystery to him like the first.
They so shouted ( ουτος επεφωνουν ). Imperfect active progressive imperfect had been so shouting.
When they had tied him up ( ος προετειναν αυτον ). First aorist active indicative of προτεινω, old verb to stretch forward, only here in the N.T. Literally, "When they stretched him forward."
With the thongs ( τοις ιμασιν ). If the instrumental case of ιμας, old word for strap or thong (for sandals as Mr 1:7, or for binding criminals as here), then Paul was bent forward and tied by the thongs to a post in front to expose his back the better to the scourges. But τοις ιμασιν may be dative case and then it would mean "for the lashes." In either case it is a dreadful scene of terrorizing by the chiliarch.
Unto the centurion that stood by ( προς τον εστωτα εκατονταρχον ). He was simply carrying out the orders of the chiliarch (cf. Mt 27:54). Why had not Paul made protest before this?
Is it lawful? ( ε εξεστιν? ). This use of ε in indirect questions we have had before (1:6).
A Roman and uncondemned ( Ρομαιον κα ακατακριτον ). Just as in 16:37 which see. Blass says of Paul's question: Interrogatio subironica est confidentiae plena.
What art thou about to do? ( Τ μελλεις ποιειν? ). On the point of doing, sharp warning.
Art thou a Roman? ( Συ Ρομαιος ει? ).
Thou (emphatic position) a Roman? It was unbelievable.
With a great sum ( πολλου κεφαλαιου ). The use of κεφαλαιου (from κεφαλη, head) for sums of money (principal as distinct from interest) is old and frequent in the papyri. Our word capital is from χαπυτ (head). The genitive is used here according to rule for price. "The sale of the Roman citizenship was resorted to by the emperors as a means of filling the exchequer, much as James I. made baronets" (Page). Dio Cassius (LX., 17) tells about Messalina the wife of Claudius selling Roman citizenship. Lysias was probably a Greek and so had to buy his citizenship.
But I am a Roman born ( Εγω δε κα γεγεννημα ). Perfect passive indicative of γενναω. The word "Roman" not in the Greek. Literally, "But I have been even born one," (i.e. born a Roman citizen). There is calm and simple dignity in this reply and pardonable pride. Being a citizen of Tarsus (21:39) did not make Paul a Roman citizen. Tarsus was an urbs libera, not a colonia like Philippi. Some one of his ancestors (father, grandfather) obtained it perhaps as a reward for distinguished service. Paul's family was of good social position. "He was educated by the greatest of the Rabbis; he was at an early age entrusted by the Jewish authorities with an important commission; his nephew could gain ready access to the Roman tribune; he was treated as a person of consequence by Felix, Festus, Agrippa, and Julius" (Furneaux).
Departed from him ( απεστησαν απ' αυτου ). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive) of αφιστημ, stood off from him at once.
Was afraid ( εφοβηθη ). Ingressive aorist passive indicative of φοβεομα, became afraid. He had reason to be.
That he was a Roman ( οτ Ρομαιος εστιν ). Indirect assertion with tense of εστιν retained.
Because he had bound him ( οτ αυτον ην δεδεκως ). Causal οτ here after declarative οτ just before. Periphrastic past perfect active of δεω, to bind.
To know the certainty ( γνωνα το ασφαλες ). Same idiom in 21:34 which see.
Wherefore he was accused ( το τ κατεγορειτα ). Epexegetical after to ασφαλες. Note article (accusative case) with the indirect question here as in Lu 22:1, 23, 24 (which see), a neat idiom in the Greek.
Commanded ( εκελευσεν ). So the Sanhedrin had to meet, but in the Tower of Antonia, for he brought Paul down ( καταγαγων, second aorist active participle of καταγω ).
Set him ( εστησεν ). First aorist active (transitive) indicative of ιστημ, not the intransitive second aorist εστη. Lysias is determined to find out the truth about Paul, more puzzled than ever by the important discovery that he has a Roman citizen on his hands in this strange prisoner.
Copyright information for
RWP