Acts 26:12

Authorized King James Version

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐν

G1722

Whereupon

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἷς

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ

G2532

and

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

πορευόμενος

G4198

as I went

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν

G3588

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

Δαμασκὸν

G1154

Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

μετ'

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἐξουσίας

G1849

authority

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

ἐπιτροπῆς

G2011

commission

permission, i.e., (by implication) full power

#12

τῆς

G3588

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

#13

παρὰ

G3844

from

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#14

τῶν

G3588

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

#15

ἀρχιερέων

G749

the chief priests

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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

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 kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

Related Resources

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People

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Paul