Acts 22:8

Authorized King James Version

And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἐγώ
I
i, me
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἀπεκρίθην
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#4
Τίς
Who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#5
εἶ
art thou
thou art
#6
κύριε
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#7
εἶπέν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#8
τε
And
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#9
πρός
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#10
με
me
me
#11
Ἐγώ
I
i, me
#12
εἰμι
am
i exist (used only when emphatic)
#13
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Ναζωραῖος
of Nazareth
a nazoraean, i.e., inhabitant of nazareth; by extension, a christian
#16
ὃν
whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#17
σὺ
thou
thou
#18
διώκεις
persecutest
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

Analysis

Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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