Chapter 1000 of 1163

ACTS 22

The starting point of Paul’s defense was his identification with the Jews (vv. 1–16; 1 Cor. 9:19–23). His birth, training, and early ministry as a rabbi were strictly orthodox. He associated his conversion with Ananias, “a devout man according to the law” (v. 12). He was very tactful, but it takes tact to have contact.

The turning point of Paul’s defense was his use of the word Gentiles (v. 17). Had he not used that word, Paul might have been set free; but the whole burden of his life was to reach the Gentiles (Eph. 3:1–13). Paul was arrested because of religious bigotry; his people did not realize that God was doing a new thing in the world.

The finishing point was the threat of a scourging, which Paul avoided by asserting his Roman citizenship (vv. 22–29). From then on, it would be one hearing after another and a delay of two years in Caesarea. But God was working out His will in His time, and Paul was willing to wait.

“God is the master of the scenes; we must not choose what part we shall act; it concerns us only to be careful that we do it well, always saying, “If this please God, let it be as it is.’”

Jeremy Taylor

↑ Back to top