Paul’S Autobiography
PAUL’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY
ACTS 21:40–22:21
When the Lord tells you to do something, don’t argue!
Paul’s speech from the steps (21:40) was given to a quietened audience. The reason for this dramatic change which turned a restless, turbulent mob into a subdued body of listeners is found at 21:40 and 22:2. Speaking in Aramaic, Paul, with great tact, gained his audience’s attention while he presented his “apology” (22:1) for his faith in Christ Jesus.
It falls into three parts:
Paul adopts a frankly autobiographical pose, recalling his past life in the same way as in Galatians 1:13-17; Philippians 3:4-11 and 1 Timothy 1:12-16. Confining our attention to the record in Acts, we note how Paul’s pre-Christian life was seen from different points of view. The revered Jewish teacher Gamaliel (cf. 5:34) no doubt saw in Saul of Tarsus an apt pupil, known for his zeal (22:3; Romans 10:2 puts this ardor in its true light). The early Christians saw in him a notorious enemy and persecutor, greatly to be feared, and the embodiment of undying hatred (22:4-5). Paul’s own estimate of his former way of life is contained in the hints of (a) his diligence as Gamaliel’s pupil, and (b) his all-consuming zeal for what he then believed to be God’s honor.
22:6-21. The circumstances of Paul’s conversion are set in three different scenes:
From this revealing piece of autobiography we can see the tremendous impression Stephen’s martyrdom made on him (22:20), and Paul’s appointment as apostle to the Gentile world was confirmed (22:21; Galatians 2:7-9).
Notes 22:14 “the Just One” = the Messiah (3:14). 22:15: his witness was grounded in personal experience, which no one could deny to him (cf. 26:16). 22:16: Paul’s baptism followed his conversion, imparting an assurance of forgiveness as he called on his name (2:21,38).