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 22:14KJV
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Acts 22:14 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“chosen” Greek G4400 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“One” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;