By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
THE TESTIMONY
Acts 22:3–8, 15–22
While at the temple in Jerusalem, Paul was falsely accused by some Jews from Asia. These accusations stirred up the Jewish people and they attacked Paul. The Roman tribune heard the city was in confusion so he went with soldiers, arrested Paul and put him in chains, assuming he was a terrorist. Paul identified himself as a Jew from Tarsus and asked for permission to speak to the crowd. The tribune granted Paul permission to speak. Surrounded by Roman soldiers, shackled in chains, Paul began to share his testimony with the angry mob.
Former Life (3–5)
Paul began by refuting he was opposed to the Jewish traditions. He declared that he was a Jew from Tarsus, brought up in Jerusalem and trained by Gamaliel, the most revered rabbi of that time. He had been thoroughly instructed in Old Testament law and rabbinical traditions. The accusation that he opposed the law was ridiculous.
Paul declared he was zealous for God just as they were. He shared with them how he had persecuted the followers of the Way (Jesus’ followers), having them arrested and even killed. Paul had been the Christians’ most feared persecutor from Stephen’s martyrdom until Paul’s conversion. If anyone still doubted his zeal for God, they could ask the high priest or the members of the Sanhedrin. He was so zealous that the Sanhedrin had authorized him to go to Damascus in Syria and arrest followers of Jesus.
Life-Changing Encounter (6–8, 15–16)
Having shown the absurdity of the accusations against him, he then defended his actions. The God of Israel had sovereignly intervened in his life and transformed him from chief persecutor to humble proclaimer of the gospel of God’s amazing grace.
Jesus came and “arrested” Saul (Paul) as he sought followers of Jesus to arrest. Near Damascus, he was blinded by the glory of the exalted Christ. He heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” He replied, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice responded, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.”
This declaration shocked and horrified him. Instantly he knew how wrong he had been. The one whom he had despised and rejected as a blasphemer and false Messiah was in fact the Lord of glory. Paul obeyed Jesus’ command and was helped into the city of Damascus.
The Lord sent Ananias, a follower of Jesus, to him. The Lord restored his sight and Ananias instructed Paul. God had appointed Paul to know His will, see the glory of the resurrected Jesus and go forth and bear witness to His person and power. Paul called on the name of Jesus and was baptized.
New Purpose (17–21)
After his conversion and a brief period of ministry at Damascus (Acts 9:20–25), Paul spent three years in Arabia (Gal. 1:17–18). Having returned to Jerusalem, he was praying in the temple. This was further indication that he had not rejected his Jewish heritage. While praying in the temple, he fell into a trance and saw a vision of Jesus. Jesus commanded him to leave Jerusalem because the unbelieving Jews would seek to kill him (Acts 9:26–30). Paul’s primary focus would be to take the gospel to the Gentiles.
Rejection (22)
Upon hearing that Jesus commissioned Paul to take the gospel to the Gentiles, the mob stopped listening to Paul. They were so angry that they wanted to kill him on the spot. Paul’s arrest by the Romans was actually God’s way of protecting Paul.
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