Acts 22:20

Authorized King James Version

And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅτε

G3753

when

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐξεχεῖτο

G1632

was shed

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἷμα

G129

the blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

Στεφάνου

G4736

Stephen

stephanus, a christian

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μάρτυρός

G3144

martyr

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

αὐτόν

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#12

ἤμην

G2252

was

i was

#13

ἐφεστὼς

G2186

standing by

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

συνευδοκῶν

G4909

consenting

to think well of in common, i.e., assent to, feel gratified with

#16

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

ἀναιρέσει

G336

death

(the act of) killing

#18

αὐτόν

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

φυλάσσων

G5442

kept

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

#21

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ἱμάτια

G2440

the raiment

a dress (inner or outer)

#23

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ἀναιρούντων

G337

of them that slew

to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder

#25

αὐτόν

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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