Acts 22:4

Authorized King James Version

And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
And I
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ταύτην
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#3
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ὁδὸν
way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
#5
ἐδίωξα
persecuted
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
#6
ἄχρι
unto
(of time) until or (of place) up to
#7
θανάτου
the death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#8
δεσμεύων
binding
to be a binder (captor), i.e., to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load)
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
παραδιδοὺς
delivering
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
#11
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
φυλακὰς
prisons
a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh
#13
ἄνδρας
men
a man (properly as an individual male)
#14
τε
both
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
γυναῖκας
women
a woman; specially, a wife

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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