Acts 22:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:13 mean?

Acts 22:13 describes how a man named Ananias came to Saul (later known as Paul), stood by him, and told him to regain his sight, which Saul immediately did. This verse shows the moment Saul’s blindness was healed after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

In this scene, Paul is retelling his conversion story to a crowd in Jerusalem. Ananias, a respected Jewish believer, approaches the blinded Saul, addresses him as “Brother Saul,” and tells him to receive his sight. The verse highlights both the restoration of Saul’s physical sight and the acceptance of Saul into the community of believers.

The Greek behind Acts 22:13

• ἀνέβλεψα (aneblepsa, “looked up” or “regained sight”): This Greek word is used twice in the verse (translated as “receive thy sight” and “I looked up”), emphasizing both the command and the immediate result. It carries the sense of recovering vision, both physically and, in context, possibly spiritually.
• ἀδελφέ (adelphé, “Brother”): Ananias calling Saul “Brother” is significant. It signals acceptance and fellowship, even though Saul had previously persecuted believers.
• ἐστάς (estás, “stood”): The word for “stood” often implies a deliberate, purposeful action. Ananias is not just present but is taking a clear, supportive stand with Saul.

Why Acts 22:13 matters

• Acts 22:13 clarifies that Saul’s healing was immediate and came through the words and actions of another believer, not by his own effort.
• The use of “Brother Saul” shows the early Christian community’s willingness to forgive and welcome even former enemies.
• This verse connects Saul’s physical healing to his spiritual transformation, marking the turning point where he begins his new life as Paul, the apostle.