Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
Acts 22 marks a pivotal point in Paul's journey, a chapter filled with both passionate defense and escalating conflict. This chapter unfolds against the backdrop of Paul's arrival in Jerusalem, where he hoped to share the success of his ministry among the Gentiles. However, simmering tensions and false accusations quickly ignite, leading to his arrest and a desperate attempt to address the volatile crowd. Let's delve into the details of this crucial chapter.
Context: A City on Edge
Paul's arrival in Jerusalem was met with mixed reactions. While the church leaders rejoiced at the news of the growing Christian communities, they were also concerned about rumors circulating among legalistic Jewish Christians. These rumors falsely claimed that Paul was teaching Jewish believers to abandon the Mosaic Law, including the practice of circumcision. To address these concerns, Paul agreed to participate in a Jewish ritual, a decision that ultimately led to his wrongful accusation of bringing a Gentile into the temple, inciting a riot and his subsequent arrest by the Roman tribune (Acts 21:17–36).
Paul's Defense Before the Jerusalem Crowd (Acts 22:1-21)
Seizing an opportunity to speak, Paul addresses the enraged crowd in their native Aramaic, immediately establishing a connection and attempting to quell their fury (Acts 21:40; 22:2). Instead of directly preaching the Gospel, Paul skillfully crafts a defense, explaining his background and the reasons for his ministry to the Gentiles.
Shared Heritage and Zealous Past (Acts 22:1-5)
Paul begins by emphasizing his shared Jewish identity. He reminds them that he is a Jew, born in Tarsus but raised in Jerusalem, and educated by the esteemed Pharisee Gamaliel. He highlights his zealous devotion to the Jewish law, even to the point of persecuting the early Christians. He reminds them of his past actions, a past they themselves might have applauded, emphasizing how deeply rooted he was in their traditions. As Tony Evans puts it, Paul clarified "who he was and what he had been doing," reminding them of their common ground. He was so zealous that he "persecuted this Way to the death (22:4), “the Way” being an early title given to Christianity".
The Damascus Road Conversion (Acts 22:6-16)
Paul then recounts his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, mirroring the narrative in Acts 9:1-19. He describes the blinding light, the voice of Jesus, and his subsequent encounter with Ananias, who restored his sight and commissioned him to be a witness for Christ. This account underscores that his transformation wasn't a rejection of his Jewish faith, but a fulfillment of it through the Messiah. Paul emphasizes that he was saved for a purpose, as is every believer, echoing Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Commissioned to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17-21)
Finally, Paul explains his call to minister to the Gentiles. He recounts a vision he received in Jerusalem, where God instructed him to leave the city because the Jews would not accept his testimony. God had other plans for Paul: He would take the gospel to the Gentiles (22:21). This pivotal point in his defense becomes the catalyst for the crowd's renewed rage.
The Mob's Fury and Roman Intervention (Acts 22:22-29)
The mere mention of the Gentiles ignites the crowd's fury. Their shouts and violent gestures reveal the depth of their prejudice and their unwillingness to accept Paul's ministry to non-Jews.
The Roman Tribune's Response (Acts 22:23-24)
The Roman tribune, still struggling to understand the source of the unrest, orders Paul to be interrogated under torture, a common Roman practice for extracting information. This decision highlights the tribune's lack of concern for justice, as he is more interested in maintaining order than in uncovering the truth.
Paul's Roman Citizenship (Acts 22:25-29)
As the soldiers prepare to flog him, Paul reveals his Roman citizenship, a move that immediately halts the proceedings. Roman citizens were protected from such treatment without a proper trial. The tribune, realizing the gravity of the situation, is filled with fear, as he has unknowingly violated Roman law. Paul's shrewd use of his citizenship demonstrates his wisdom and his willingness to use legal means to protect himself and further his mission. Paul wasn't afraid to be beaten for Christ. But he also wasn’t afraid to exercise his legal rights to escape illegitimate punishment and to take his case and message to a higher governmental authority—ultimately to Caesar (see 25:11-12).
A Meeting with the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30)
Desperate to understand the charges against Paul, the Roman tribune convenes a meeting of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. He hopes that they can shed light on the situation and provide a legitimate explanation for the crowd's hostility. This sets the stage for the events of Acts 23, where Paul's interaction with the Sanhedrin further escalates the conflict.
Key Takeaways from Acts 22
- The Power of Personal Testimony: Paul's defense highlights the effectiveness of sharing one's personal story to connect with others and explain one's beliefs.
- God's Purpose in Our Lives: Paul's conversion and commission remind us that God has a purpose for each of our lives, and He often reveals that purpose as we obey His commands.
- Navigating Conflict with Wisdom: Paul's skillful use of his Roman citizenship demonstrates the importance of navigating conflict with wisdom and utilizing available resources to protect oneself and advance God's kingdom.
- The Explosive Nature of Prejudice: The crowd's reaction to Paul's ministry to the Gentiles reveals the destructive power of prejudice and the importance of embracing God's inclusive love for all people.
Acts 22 serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians and the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, even in the face of opposition. It encourages us to be bold in sharing our faith, wise in navigating conflict, and unwavering in our commitment to God's inclusive love for all.
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
Acts 22 marks a pivotal point in Paul's journey, a chapter filled with both passionate defense and escalating conflict. This chapter unfolds against the backdrop of Paul's arrival in Jerusalem, where he hoped to share the success of his ministry among the Gentiles. However, simmering tensions and false accusations quickly ignite, leading to his arrest and a desperate attempt to address the volatile crowd. Let's delve into the details of this crucial chapter.
Context: A City on Edge
Paul's arrival in Jerusalem was met with mixed reactions. While the church leaders rejoiced at the news of the growing Christian communities, they were also concerned about rumors circulating among legalistic Jewish Christians. These rumors falsely claimed that Paul was teaching Jewish believers to abandon the Mosaic Law, including the practice of circumcision. To address these concerns, Paul agreed to participate in a Jewish ritual, a decision that ultimately led to his wrongful accusation of bringing a Gentile into the temple, inciting a riot and his subsequent arrest by the Roman tribune (Acts 21:17–36).
Paul's Defense Before the Jerusalem Crowd (Acts 22:1-21)
Seizing an opportunity to speak, Paul addresses the enraged crowd in their native Aramaic, immediately establishing a connection and attempting to quell their fury (Acts 21:40; 22:2). Instead of directly preaching the Gospel, Paul skillfully crafts a defense, explaining his background and the reasons for his ministry to the Gentiles.
Shared Heritage and Zealous Past (Acts 22:1-5)
Paul begins by emphasizing his shared Jewish identity. He reminds them that he is a Jew, born in Tarsus but raised in Jerusalem, and educated by the esteemed Pharisee Gamaliel. He highlights his zealous devotion to the Jewish law, even to the point of persecuting the early Christians. He reminds them of his past actions, a past they themselves might have applauded, emphasizing how deeply rooted he was in their traditions. As Tony Evans puts it, Paul clarified "who he was and what he had been doing," reminding them of their common ground. He was so zealous that he "persecuted this Way to the death (22:4), “the Way” being an early title given to Christianity".
The Damascus Road Conversion (Acts 22:6-16)
Paul then recounts his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, mirroring the narrative in Acts 9:1-19. He describes the blinding light, the voice of Jesus, and his subsequent encounter with Ananias, who restored his sight and commissioned him to be a witness for Christ. This account underscores that his transformation wasn't a rejection of his Jewish faith, but a fulfillment of it through the Messiah. Paul emphasizes that he was saved for a purpose, as is every believer, echoing Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Commissioned to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17-21)
Finally, Paul explains his call to minister to the Gentiles. He recounts a vision he received in Jerusalem, where God instructed him to leave the city because the Jews would not accept his testimony. God had other plans for Paul: He would take the gospel to the Gentiles (22:21). This pivotal point in his defense becomes the catalyst for the crowd's renewed rage.
The Mob's Fury and Roman Intervention (Acts 22:22-29)
The mere mention of the Gentiles ignites the crowd's fury. Their shouts and violent gestures reveal the depth of their prejudice and their unwillingness to accept Paul's ministry to non-Jews.
The Roman Tribune's Response (Acts 22:23-24)
The Roman tribune, still struggling to understand the source of the unrest, orders Paul to be interrogated under torture, a common Roman practice for extracting information. This decision highlights the tribune's lack of concern for justice, as he is more interested in maintaining order than in uncovering the truth.
Paul's Roman Citizenship (Acts 22:25-29)
As the soldiers prepare to flog him, Paul reveals his Roman citizenship, a move that immediately halts the proceedings. Roman citizens were protected from such treatment without a proper trial. The tribune, realizing the gravity of the situation, is filled with fear, as he has unknowingly violated Roman law. Paul's shrewd use of his citizenship demonstrates his wisdom and his willingness to use legal means to protect himself and further his mission. Paul wasn't afraid to be beaten for Christ. But he also wasn’t afraid to exercise his legal rights to escape illegitimate punishment and to take his case and message to a higher governmental authority—ultimately to Caesar (see 25:11-12).
A Meeting with the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:30)
Desperate to understand the charges against Paul, the Roman tribune convenes a meeting of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. He hopes that they can shed light on the situation and provide a legitimate explanation for the crowd's hostility. This sets the stage for the events of Acts 23, where Paul's interaction with the Sanhedrin further escalates the conflict.
Key Takeaways from Acts 22
- The Power of Personal Testimony: Paul's defense highlights the effectiveness of sharing one's personal story to connect with others and explain one's beliefs.
- God's Purpose in Our Lives: Paul's conversion and commission remind us that God has a purpose for each of our lives, and He often reveals that purpose as we obey His commands.
- Navigating Conflict with Wisdom: Paul's skillful use of his Roman citizenship demonstrates the importance of navigating conflict with wisdom and utilizing available resources to protect oneself and advance God's kingdom.
- The Explosive Nature of Prejudice: The crowd's reaction to Paul's ministry to the Gentiles reveals the destructive power of prejudice and the importance of embracing God's inclusive love for all people.
Acts 22 serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians and the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, even in the face of opposition. It encourages us to be bold in sharing our faith, wise in navigating conflict, and unwavering in our commitment to God's inclusive love for all.