As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

ACTS 22:5KJV
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Acts 22:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 22:5 mean?

Acts 22:5 describes how Paul received official permission from the high priest and the council of elders to arrest followers of Jesus in Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. Paul is explaining that his actions against Christians were fully supported by the highest Jewish authorities at the time.

Paul is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, defending himself after being accused of disrespecting Jewish law. By mentioning the high priest and elders, Paul shows that he was not acting alone or as a rogue agent—his mission to persecute Christians was sanctioned by respected leaders. This detail helps the listeners understand the seriousness of his former opposition to the Christian movement and sets the stage for explaining his dramatic change of heart.

The Greek behind Acts 22:5

  • ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus, "priest"): This word refers specifically to the high priest, the top religious authority in Jerusalem. Paul’s mention of this title emphasizes the official and religious backing behind his actions.
  • πρεσβυτέριον (presbyterion, "elders"): This term points to the council of elders, showing that not just one person, but the whole leadership group supported Paul.
  • ἐπιστολάς (epistolas, "letters"): These were official documents, like warrants, giving Paul legal authority to arrest believers. The use of this word highlights the formal, legal nature of Paul’s mission.
  • δεδεμένους (dedemenous, "bound"): This word means tied up or arrested. Paul’s intent was not just to question believers, but to physically restrain and bring them back as prisoners.

Why Acts 22:5 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Paul was acting on his own; he had the full support of the highest Jewish authorities, making his later conversion even more striking.
  • It emphasizes the seriousness and intensity of Paul’s former opposition to Christians, which helps explain why his later change was so dramatic to both Jews and Christians.
  • By mentioning the official letters and the involvement of the high priest and elders, Paul shows that his story can be verified by respected witnesses, adding credibility to his testimony.

Where else these words appear

“there” Greek G1566 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

“punished” Greek G5097 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

“elders” Greek G4244 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
  • 1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

“Damascus” Greek G1154 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
  • Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
  • Acts 22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.