21:37-40
The tribune, or commander, was surprised when Paul spoke Greek to him. He thought Paul was an Egyptian Jew that had led a revolt that was put down by Felix the governor. So, it was a good thing Paul spoke to him. His ability to speak Greek and his status as a Roman citizen got him the privilege to speak to the crowd.
It is interesting that Paul wanted to speak to the crowd. Most people in this situation would be happy to be taken away from the crowd and put in a safe place. But Paul always wanted to share the gospel. He believed, as Peter would later write, that believers are “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you”. (1 Peter 3:15)
Paul also had a burden for his own people, the Jews. He wanted them to come to Christ. He wrote “Bothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved”. (Romans 10:1) And he knew they would not believe unless someone preached to them. (Romans 10:14-15) Having no regard for his safety, or even his life, he wanted to share the gospel with them, hoping they might be saved.
The tribune granted permission and Paul spoke to the crowd in their language. “Hebrew language” here probably means the language of the Hebrews, as opposed to Hebrew itself. The language of the average Jews was Aramaic, so Paul likely spoke that. We see how educated Paul is here. He spoke Greek and Aramaic, but also likely spoke and wrote Hebrew, since he was an Old Testament scholar and the scriptures were written in Hebrew.
Paul addressed the crowd with the same words Stephen used to address the Sanhedrin: “brothers and fathers”. (Acts 7:2)
Paul’s testimony
22:1-21
Paul did not go into a theological discussion with the Jews. Instead, he gave his testimony. He told them the story of his conversion. While every believer should work to be able to explain the gospel theologically, it is also true that giving your testimony is an effective way to communicate.
The theme of Paul’s testimony is: I have been a good Jew and then I met the Lord. So, he told them he was born a Jew but raised right there in Jerusalem, the spiritual home of Judaism. He had a first rate theological education, studying with Gamaliel. He was a revered teacher and a member of the Sanhedrin. Paul was trained as a Pharisee, observing the strict manner of the law. Paul was born a Jew, raised in the center of Judaism, and educated by the leading teacher of the Pharisees. His preparation to be a Jewish leader was impeccable.
Not only was Paul raised and trained as the ultimate Jew, helped as one. His proof of that is is persecution of “this Way”, of Christianity. It was this role as persecutor that brought him to Damascus. (5)
It was on the way to Damascus that things changed, Paul encountered Jesus in a bright light. Most of this story has been told by Luke previously in Acts 9. Jesus told the blinded Paul to go into Damascus to be told all that “is appointed for you to do”. (10) Jesus had plans for Paul.
Ananias restored Paul’s vision and told him God appointed Paul to do 4 things:
to know his will;
to see the Righteous One (Jesus);
to hear his voice; and
to witness for him to everyone of what he saw and heard. (15)
Two new facts are given us that are not related in Acts 9. The first new fact that we have here is that Paul was evidently baptized. Ananias urged Paul to call on Jesus’ name and be baptized. (16) The implication is that Paul did those things.
The second new fact is that, when Paul returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, he had a vision of Jesus telling him to leave Jerusalem quickly because they will not accept his testimony. (17) The parallel to Isaiah is notable.
Isaiah had a vision of the Lord in the temple also. He saw the Lord, he heard his voice, and he was appointed to go and preach to the people. (Isaiah 6) He was also told that his people, the Jews, would not listen to him.
Paul protested to Jesus, saying the Jews knew how he persecuted Christians and observed the stoning of Stephen with approval. (20) But Jesus insisted he go and speak to the Gentiles.
The Angry Crowd
22:22-23
At this point, the crowd erupted. Preaching to the Gentiles was the last straw for them. They again called for his death. The shouted, threw off their cloaks and flung dust in the air. It must have been quite a sight. The tribune had to bring Paul back into the barracks.
Paul and the Tribune
22:24-29
The Tribune was still not sure what was goin on, so he took Paul into the barracks, intending to question him by flogging. In other words, he intended to beat the truth out of him. (24) But, Paul asserted his citizenship again. And again we see a centurion cast in a good light, for he went to the Tribune to caution him against being a Roman citizen who had not been to trial. You can see how important Roman citizenship was because the Tribune was afraid.
We will see that Paul’s claim to citizenship and his rights of trial will define what happens to him.
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