Acts 22:1-10 ▼

1 “Brothers and fathers {pateres}, listen now to my defense before you⁺.

2 When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew (in Aramaic), they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared,

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel (my reward is God) in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God {Theou} as any of you⁺ are today.

4 I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison,

5 as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters {epistolas} from them to their brothers in Damascus (well-watered land), and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem (city of peace) to be punished.

6 About noon as I was approaching Damascus (well-watered land), suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.

7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul (asked for), Saul, why do you persecute Me?

8 ‘Who are You, Lord {Kyrie}? I asked. ‘I am Jesus (YHWH saves) of Nazareth (branch), whom you are persecuting, He replied.

9 My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me.

10 Then I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord {Kyrie}? ‘Get up and go into Damascus (well-watered land), He {Kyrios} told me. ‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.