And 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.
ACTS 22:14KJVWhat does Acts 22:14 mean?
Acts 22:14 records Ananias telling Paul that the God of their ancestors has chosen Paul for a special purpose: to know God’s will, to see “that Just One” (referring to Jesus), and to hear directly from Him. This verse highlights Paul’s calling as someone who would have a direct experience and message from God.
In the story, Ananias is speaking to Paul (then called Saul) shortly after Paul’s dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ananias explains that Paul’s experience is not random—God has specifically chosen him for a unique role. The phrase “that Just One” points to Jesus as the righteous one, and being able to “hear the voice of his mouth” means Paul will receive direct revelation from Jesus Himself.
The Greek behind Acts 22:14
- The word for “chosen” is ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai), which means to select or pick out for a purpose. This emphasizes that Paul’s role is not accidental but intentional and specific.
- The phrase “that Just One” uses the Greek δίκαιος (dikaios), meaning righteous or just. This title for Jesus highlights His innocence and moral perfection, which is significant in the context of Paul’s former opposition to Him.
- The word for “will” is θέλημα (thelēma), meaning desire or purpose. Knowing God’s will here is about understanding God’s specific plan, not just general knowledge.
Why Acts 22:14 matters
- Acts 22:14 clarifies that Paul’s authority and mission come directly from God, not from human appointment or tradition.
- The verse connects Paul’s story to the larger story of Israel (“the God of our fathers”), showing continuity between the Old Testament faith and the message about Jesus.
- By calling Jesus “that Just One,” the verse emphasizes Jesus’ unique role and moral authority, which is central to Paul’s later teaching.