Acts 22

Acts 22 continues Paul's defense before the hostile crowd in Jerusalem. After being arrested in the temple, Paul recounts his conversion story and early Christian ministry to justify his mission and teachings. This chapter emphasizes his dramatic transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devout apostle of Christ, authorized directly by a vision of Jesus.

Acts 22:1-5 (NKJV)
"Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now." And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished."

Paul introduces himself in a manner that connects with his audience—sharing his Jewish heritage and education under Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law. His initial zeal for Judaism and his role in persecuting Christians are highlighted to establish a common ground with his listeners, showing that his past aligns with their current beliefs.

Acts 22:6-10 (NKJV)
"Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’"

Paul narrates the pivotal moment of his life: his miraculous encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. This experience, marked by a divine light and a direct conversation with Jesus, justifies his transformation and mission. The specific call from Jesus not only authenticates Paul’s apostleship but also aligns his new mission with divine will, underscoring his obedience to heavenly vision rather than human instruction.

Acts 22:11-16 (NKJV)
"And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. Then one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me; and standing by me said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him. Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’"

Continuing his testimony, Paul describes the aftermath of his encounter, focusing on his temporary blindness and the role of Ananias—a respected, law-abiding Jew—in his recovery and baptism. This not only highlights the continuity of his faith journey within the Jewish law but also the divine endorsement through Ananias, reinforcing the legitimacy of his call and mission to the non-Jewish world.

Acts 22:17-21 (NKJV)
"Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’"

In these verses, Paul recounts another significant vision he received in the temple, where Jesus instructs him to leave Jerusalem due to the rejection he would face. His mention of his past, particularly his involvement in the persecution of Christians and the martyrdom of Stephen, is intended to highlight the drastic nature of his transformation and his obedience to Jesus' command, despite his reputation and past actions. This direction to evangelize the Gentiles marks a clear mission given directly by Jesus, emphasizing his apostolic authority.

Acts 22:22-25 (NKJV)
"And they listened to him until this word, and then they raised their voices and said, ‘Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!’ Then, as they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him. But when they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, ‘Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?’"

Paul's audience reacts violently when he mentions his mission to the Gentiles, viewing it as a betrayal of Jewish values. This hostility underscores the deep-seated prejudices and tensions between Jews and Gentiles. Paul's strategic use of his Roman citizenship to avoid illegal punishment highlights his astuteness in navigating legal and cultural systems to protect himself and ensure his message could continue to be heard.

Acts 22:26-29 (NKJV)
"When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, ‘What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.’ Then the commander came and said to him, ‘Tell me, are you a Roman?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ The commander answered, ‘With a large sum I obtained this citizenship; and I was born a citizen.’ Then those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him."

Paul's assertion of his Roman citizenship brings immediate consequences. The officers, recognizing the severity of their mistake in binding a Roman citizen without a trial, retreat in fear of repercussions. Paul’s citizenship, which he clarifies was not purchased but inherited, gives him a distinct legal status that he leverages to avoid torture and potentially more severe outcomes, illustrating his legal savvy and the protections afforded by Roman law even amidst chaotic and prejudicial accusations.

Acts 22:30 (NKJV)
"The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, the commander freed him from his bonds and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them."

This verse sets the stage for the next chapter, where Paul will face the Sanhedrin. The commander's decision to bring religious leaders together to clarify the charges against Paul indicates the complexity of his case, involving theological disputes that the Roman authorities did not fully understand. This meeting aims to uncover the specific reasons behind the Jewish leaders’ accusations, emphasizing the legal and religious entanglements Paul navigates as he continues his mission.