Acts 21:37-40; 22:1-29
Q.1. Who did the commander think Paul was? Why did he allow Paul to address the Jews? What made them quieten down? – (Acts 21:37-40; 22:1-2)
As soon as Paul spoke in the common language of the Roman Empire, the commander realized – Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness? (Acts 21:38). Paul then explained – …”I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” (Acts 21:39). Later he informed the commander that he was also a Roman citizen (c.f. Acts 22:25-29). Paul was confident of his abilities and standing with God. He was able to quieten the confused crowd with a wave of his hand. He then addressed them in their own Hebrew dialect, and – they became even more quiet (Acts21:40 c.f. Acts 22:2).Â
Q.2. How did Paul build rapport with the Jews? What unexpected confrontation turned him around? What mission was he given from God through Ananias? – (Acts 22:3-15)
Paul connected with the audience by outlining his Jewish credentials – I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today (Acts 22:3). He built on this by testifying of his persecution of those of the Way, complete with the authority granted him by the High Priest and Council of the elders (Acts 22:4-5). This all changed in a moment, when – … about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me (Acts 22:6). The very One Whom he had been persecuting was alive and declared – … I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ (Acts 22:8). The men with Paul led this proud Pharisee to Damascus, where – … you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do (Acts 22:10). A devout and respected Jew named Ananias healed his blindness, and relayed Christ’s message – 14 …The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth. 15 For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard (Acts 22:14-15). In obedience, Paul was there in Jerusalem, to bear witness to the risen Lord.
Q.3. How was Paul followed up? Why did he leave Jerusalem previously? What made him reluctant to leave? – (Acts 22:16-20)
The first follow-up Paul received, was to submit to baptism – washing away your sins, calling on His name (Acts 22:16). Acts 9 records how he was accepted at Jerusalem by the church, through the appeal of Barnabas (Acts 9:26-27). However, soon his testimony and preaching attracted dangerous negative attention, and he was sent back home to Tarsus (Acts 9:28-29). Here Paul reported on how this move was confirmed by a vision in the temple – and I saw Him saying to me, Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ (Acts 22:18). Paul protested to the Lord that his opposition to Christian converts was well known, but – He said to me,Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ (Acts 22:21). This was highly inflammatory to the Jews.
Q.4. Why did the commander rescue Paul again? What information stopped Paul from being flogged? How did the commander react? – (Acts 22:21-29)
When the crowd realized Paul’s real purpose for sharing the Gospel, they were enraged. The commander was forced to rescue him once again. He ordered a centurion – that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way (Acts 22:24). Paul then questioned the legality of scourging an uncondemned Roman citizen (Acts 22:25). This brought a sudden end to the flogging, as the commander asked – … 27 “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” (Acts 22:27-28). The commander was horrified. He then tried to discover the problem, by quizzing the Chief Priest and the Council (Acts 22:30).