From peri (around) and astraptō (to flash like lightning). To flash or shine around someone. Used exclusively of the blinding light that surrounded Paul on the road to Damascus.
A light from heaven 'flashed around' Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3, 22:6), permanently changing the course of history. The persecutor became the apostle. The light was the glory of the risen Christ, so brilliant it blinded Paul's physical eyes while opening his spiritual eyes. Encountering the living Christ changes everything — identity, purpose, direction, and destiny.