Acts 22:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 22:13
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
Chapter Context
Acts 22 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of wisdom, faith, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 22:13
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
Analysis
Brother Saul, receive thy sight (Ἀδελφὲ Σαούλ, ἀνάβλεψον)—The address 'brother' (ἀδελφέ) immediately includes the persecutor in the community of faith. Receive thy sight (ἀνάβλεψον) uses the aorist imperative of 'anablepō'—both 'look up' and 'receive sight,' combining physical and spiritual restoration. The phrase the same hour (αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ) emphasizes immediate healing, confirming Ananias's divine commission. The scales falling from his eyes (Acts 9:18) fulfilled Jesus' mission to give 'recovery of sight to the blind' (Luke 4:18). Paul's healing authenticated the gospel message he would proclaim.
Historical Context
Three days had passed since Paul's encounter with Jesus (Acts 9:9). During this time he neither ate nor drank, spending the time in prayer. God revealed to Ananias that Paul was praying and had seen a vision of a man named Ananias restoring his sight (Acts 9:11-12).
Reflection
- What does Ananias's greeting 'Brother Saul' teach about the radical inclusion of Christian fellowship?
- How do physical healings in Acts authenticate the apostolic message and commission?