Acts 22:15 – “You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Ananias is speaking to Paul (formerly Saul) after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul had been blinded by a bright light, led into the city, and waited for three days until Ananias came to him.

Ananias tells Paul that God has chosen him for a specific purpose—to be a witness. This means that Paul is not just being saved for his own sake, but so that he can tell others about Jesus.

The phrase “to all people” is important. Paul, a former Pharisee who once persecuted Christians, is now being called to share the gospel not just with Jews, but also with Gentiles (non-Jews). This was a radical shift in thinking because many Jews believed that salvation was only for Israel.

Paul is now being called to testify (share firsthand knowledge) about two things:

1. “What you have seen” – His vision of the risen Jesus, which proved that Jesus is alive.
2. “What you have heard” – The words of Jesus, which revealed God’s plan for salvation.

This was Paul’s new mission—to take the message of Jesus to the whole world.

Historical Context

Paul is recounting this story years later to a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem (Acts 22:1-2). Many in the crowd were furious at him because they believed he had abandoned the Jewish faith. By telling them about Ananias, a faithful and respected Jewish believer (Acts 22:12), Paul is showing that his conversion was not a rejection of his Jewish heritage but a fulfillment of God’s plan.

The original event happened in Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Paul had originally gone there to arrest Christians, but instead, Jesus appeared to him and blinded him. After three days, Ananias was sent by God to heal him and tell him about his calling.

This was a major turning point. Instead of persecuting Christians, Paul was now being sent to proclaim Jesus to the very people he once opposed.

Theological Implications

1. Every Christian is called to be a witness – Paul’s calling is unique, but the principle applies to all believers. If we have been saved by Jesus, we are also called to share our faith with others.
2. The gospel is for all people – Paul was sent to both Jews and Gentiles, showing that salvation is for the entire world (John 3:16).
3. A true encounter with Jesus changes everything – Paul went from being an enemy of the church to being one of its greatest messengers. When God saves someone, He also gives them a purpose.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows a pattern seen in many biblical callings:

1. A person encounters God (Moses at the burning bush, Isaiah’s vision, Paul’s vision of Jesus).
2. A message is given (Ananias telling Paul his mission).
3. A sending out to share God’s truth (Paul is now called to be a witness).

The phrase “to all people” marks a major theme shift in Acts—the gospel is not just for Israel but for the whole world. This theme becomes the focus of Paul’s entire ministry.

The word “witness” is a legal term. It means someone who gives a firsthand account of something they have experienced. Paul was not just preaching ideas—he was testifying to what he had personally seen and heard.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His disciples, “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” Paul’s calling fulfills this mission.
• Acts 9:15 – When God told Ananias that Paul was “my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles.”
• Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – Paul later describes believers as “Christ’s ambassadors,” representing Jesus in the world.
• Romans 10:14-15 – Paul writes about the importance of sharing the gospel: “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. We are all called to share Jesus – Like Paul, if we have been saved, we are called to tell others about what Jesus has done in our lives.
2. The gospel is for everyone – God’s message of salvation is not limited to one group of people—it is for all nations, races, and backgrounds.
3. Our testimony is powerful – People may argue with theology, but they cannot argue with a changed life. Paul’s testimony was one of the most powerful proofs of the truth of Christianity.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love for the world:

• God did not keep salvation just for Israel—He sent Paul to the Gentiles as well.
• God takes the worst of sinners (Paul) and transforms them into His messengers.
• God gives every believer a purpose and a mission—to share His love with others.

This verse reminds us that God does not just save people—He calls them into His service.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the message that Paul was sent to share – Paul’s mission was to tell people about Jesus, just as we are called to do today.
2. Jesus is the Righteous One – In the previous verse (Acts 22:14), Paul is told that he saw “the Righteous One” (Jesus). His mission is now to proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world.
3. Jesus calls and sends people for His work – Just as Jesus called Paul, He continues to call and send people to share the gospel today (Matthew 9:37-38).

Paul’s transformation was only possible because of Jesus—the One who called him, saved him, and sent him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Paul was chosen to be a witness. How does this verse challenge you to share your faith?
2. Ananias reminded Paul that the gospel was for all people. Are there any groups of people that you find difficult to share with? Why?
3. Paul’s testimony was powerful because he had personally seen and heard Jesus. How has your personal experience with God shaped your faith?
4. Jesus doesn’t just save people—He sends them. What specific ways do you think God is calling you to be His witness?
5. Paul went from being an enemy of Christ to a messenger of the gospel. How does this give you hope for people who seem far from God?

Acts 22:15 reminds us that salvation is not just about receiving God’s grace—it’s about sharing it with others. When Jesus changes a life, He also gives that life a new mission: to be His witness to the world.