Jesus was approving of retreat

JESUS WAS APPROVINGOF RETREAT
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Acts 22:17-2117"WhenI returned to Jerusalemand
was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18and
saw the LORD speakingto me. 'Quick!' he said.
'LeaveJerusalemimmediately, because the people
here will not accept your testimony about me.'
19"'LORD,'I replied, 'these people know that I went
from one synagogue to anotherto imprisonand beat
those who believein you. 20And when the bloodof
your martyr Stephen was shed, I stoodthere giving my
approvaland guarding the clothes of those who were
killinghim.' 21"Thenthe LORD said to me, 'Go; I will
send you far away to the Gentiles.'"
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
Men's PastSins Often The Unknown Determiners Of Their Future Life
Acts 22:18-21
P.C. Barker

It is possible to take different views of the drift and the intended tenor of this
passage. The language ofSaul (which Paul now quotes), as found in vers. 19,
20, will be very far from powerless, whetherread as a view humbly offered in
harmony with the command just laid upon him, or as perhaps is the more
probable, in deprecationof it. The passage, however, reminds us, amid high
associationsofgreattruths, of solemnfar-reaching principles in human life.
The retribution which it enwraps is not that of the severityof judgment to the
sinner, but of the inevitableness of that cause and effect which speak a
Creator-Godof infinite wisdom, and a creature-manof reason, of moral
capabilities, and of a certainfreedom of action, that lies at the root of moral
responsibility and final accountability. Notice, then -
I. A CAREER OF UNTOLD POSSIBILITIES OF USEFULNESS AND
HONOR IN THE MOTHER CITY JERUSALEM CUT SHOUT FOR PAUL.
1. We could imagine reasons whyPaul would have felt his highest ambition
fired by testifying, working, suffering, and dying for Jesus in Jerusalem, as;
(1) The mother city of the land and of God's favored people, renownedwith
ancient and specialrenown,
(2) The place at the very heart of Jewishlife, where he would have longedto
recantmost publicly his one-time errors of creed, and retrieve whatever it
were possible to retrieve of the effects of those errors. This would have been of
what was most noble among the characteristics ofPaul.
(3) The place which held the same relation to the religious world that Rome
did to the heathen world.

(4) The place where the Masterbore the grandesttestimony of all his course,
and suffered and died.
2. It needs little imagination to see that, let alone any sense ofa noble
ambition, Paul would feel that it would be one of the grandestopportunities of
usefulness, at the very centerof typical and peculiar risk and danger. From all
this Paul is interdicted by a voice of sovereignauthority, and on the plain
ground of his ownpast of error.
II. A REMEDYIN CHRIST AGAINST ABJECT HOPELESSNESS,
AGAINST SETTLED DESPAIR, AGAINST REMORSEFULTHROWING
UP OF ENDEAVOR, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RETRIBUTIVE
ASPECTS OF HUMAN LIFE. The veto of Jesus Christ, spokenwith
authority to Paul, is nothing else than linked with a summons to other work
and another sphere, that may turn into all equal usefulness and probably
usefulness far greater. Notice the method of that summons.
1. Though to state the ground of it might be pain and might give pain, it is not
wrapt in vague mystery and unsatisfying innuendo. It is, on the other hand, a
grand instance of "Faithful are the wounds of a friend."
2. The summons exhibits a very distinct and emphatic value setupon the life
and the useful employment of the servant somewhere orother. Twice, nay,
thrice repeatedis the direction to depart with "haste," "quickly," and
unquestioningly. Men may depart like Jonah. But also they may depart for
(1) Christ's own command, announced in the individual conscienceorby the
living Spirit; and

(2) for greatertoil and exposure, instead of for ease and hiding from work.
3. The summons announces, by a most gracious anticipation, an highly
important substitute career. The man who has incapacitatedhimself by follies,
by errors, even by sins, for some of the noblestof Christian service shall still
not be castawayas useless. He is still goodto do something;yes, to do much.
The Masterdoes not refuse the love or the service of the fallen, when they
return, nor does he consentto treat with them only through others. First he
saves them and protects them, and suggests his care and love of them. Then he
gives them their work, though "far hence." And lastly, he does not withhold
from their car to hear his own voice, "2' will send thee." What trust, what
love, what forgivingness, and what streams of hope Jesus has to give - and
gives to his own! - B.
Biblical Illustrator
And it came to pass that...while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance.

Acts 22:17-21
A common thing reaching the wonderful
D. Thomas, D. D.
Here is —
I. A COMMON THING — a man praying. Prayeris an instinct of the soul.
Dangerseldomfails to rouse this instinct even in the most depraved (Psalm
107:13). Volney, in a storm at sea, a striking example of this. All worthless
prayer may be divided into two classes, prayeraddressed —
1. To the wrong god.
2. To the right God in a wrong way.The universal tendency of man to pray
implies the soul's innate belief in some of the leading facts of theology, such as
the Being, Personality, Presence,and entreatability of God.
II. A common thing REACHING THE WONDERFUL. The trance is the state
in which a man has passedout of the usual order of his life, beyond the usual
limits of consciousnessand volition. To an "ecstasy" in Paul we owe the
starting point of the Church, the command which bade him "depart far hence
unto the Gentiles." It is supposedby some that it is to this trance Paul refers
(2 Corinthians 12:1-5) when he speaks ofbeing caughtup to the third heaven.
Conclusion:Learn —
1. The sublime possibilities of the human soul. By a mysterious powerof
abstractionit can shut out the external universe, and transport itself into a
world where there are scenes too grand for description and communications
surpassing utterance. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John, as wellas Paul, were often
transported to these supernal states.

2. The incomparable worth of true prayer. Prayeris the road into the celestial
(Daniel 9:21-23;Acts 10:9).
(D. Thomas, D. D.)
And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste and getthee quickly out of
Jerusalem
Paul's vision in the temple
CalebMorris.
I. THE PLACE: "The temple." This shows the catholicityof the new convert.
II. THE SEASON:"While he was praying." There seems to be a natural,
invisible, indissoluble connectionbetweenthe offering of a prayer to God and
the receptionof spiritual blessings from God. The Bible teaches this by —
1. Doctrines.
2. Practice.
III. THE FORM. We may become acquainted with the world of spirits by —
1. Consciousness.
2. Testimony.

IV. THE SUBJECT. Christ's command to Paul suggests —
1. That He claims authority over the ministry.
2. His specialprovidence over His own agencies andministers.
(Caleb Morris.)
Paul sent to the Gentiles
J. H. Wilson.
This passagehas an interest and a solemnity of a peculiar kind. This interview
is not previously recorded, and but for the specialcircumstances thatnow
arose it might never have been mentioned at all.
2. Paul introduced it because he wished to convince his former co-religionists
that just as he had become a Christian preacherbecause he could not help
himself, so when his heart was setupon labouring among his people, he was
obliged to undertake what otherwise he would have utterly shrunk back from.
Which of them, if they had been in his position, could have dared to say,
"No"? Observe —
I. THE REJECTION OF THE GOSPELPREPARING THE WAY FOR THE
WITHDRAWAL OF IT (vers. 17, 18).
1. The narrative refers to Paul's first visit to Jerusalemafterhis conversion.
He must have returned with very strange and mingled feelings. He left the

Holy City the proud champion of Judaism; he came back to it the humble
disciple of Christ. He left it with a heart full of hatred to the faith of Christ; he
came back ready to lay down his life in defence of it. And yet, as by a kind of
instinct, he betook himself to the old place of prayer; and it was fitted to
impress his Jewishhearers in his favour that it was there that he receivedthe
charge that had given its colourand direction to all his afterlife.
2. I canfancy his Jewishhearers saying, "We canso far understand your own
change of view and feeling, but what connectionis there betweenthat and
your making common cause with the Gentiles?" "Idid it," says Paul, "by
express revelation. He said to me, Hastenand go quickly out of Jerusalem, for
they will not receive thy testimony about Me."
3. Much might have been said in favour of his remaining. Were conversions
not as important at Jerusalemas in Asia Minor and Europe? Should charity
not "beginat home"? Was it not time enough to think of converting the
heathen abroad when they had gotall the people convertedat home? Such
considerations must have had weightthen, as they have with some now.
4. But not only was there a perishing world outside, needing if not waiting for
the goodnews, and who therefore had a right to the one remedy for its deadly
ailment; there was another reason. The Jewishpeople had enjoyed their
opportunity. If it could be saidin Isaiah's time, surely much more then,
"What canI do for My vineyard more that I have not done in it?" But they
would not have Christ nor His gospel. And now that a new witness was raised
up, the charge to him is," Don't stay here. Jerusalemhas had its day." It was
a terrible message. No wonderthat Paul, who loved his people so intensely,
was loath to obey it, and humbly argues againstit.

5. And yet it is in keeping with what has been elsewhere andat other times.
The light has shone brightly for a time among a people, and when they
rejectedor extinguished it, they were left in the darkness whichthemselves
had chosen. Africa is witness to this, as are those lands in which Paul himself
once held up the lamp of truth. It seems to be God's wayto give the
opportunity, and if it is not improved to withdraw it. So it was, in more recent
times, in France, Hungary, Bohemia, Italy, and Spain.
6. Our owncountry and Germany seemnow to be on their trial. The light of
Reformationtruth has shone in both; yet what multitudes in both lands are
rejecting Christ, and abandoning themselves to carelessness andunbelief and
open sin! And, as Hosea said, "Yea, woe also unto them, when I depart from
them!" there may be something analogous to this in our own case. But, short
of this, there are some who think that there has been such an expenditure of
effort in some parts of the home field , often with very little in the way of
result, that, without neglecting home, the stream of effort might now be
legitimately diverted to the greatharvest field abroad.
7. Are there not some who have had every advantage of a spiritual kind that
could well be? And they have put off the greatdecision, or they have resisted,
and made it next to impossible to venture on any further advances to them. It
may be that they have had their "day," and that the Divine word regarding
them is, "Make haste, andget thee quickly away, for they will not receive thy
testimony concerning Me."
II. THE DIVINE CALL OVERRIDING OUR OWN VIEWS OF DUTY (vers.
19, 20). Paul could not silently acquiesce inthis word. He thought that what
had convincedhim would convince others. How could they resistthe force of
such evidence as he had to bring? Did they not know his intense and
inextinguishable hatred of the name and people of Christ? What did he need
to do but just to present himself, as himself the best argument he could use?

But there was one who knew human nature better than he. As He had once
said to Ezekiel, so He now says to Paul, "But the house of Israelwill not
hearkenunto thee, for they will not hearkenunto Me." An analogouseaseis
familiar to everyone. When Melanchthonhad the truth openedup to him he
thought he could not fail to commend it to others, but soonhe had to make the
confessionthat"old Adam was too strong for young Melanchthon!"
III. THE IMPERATIVE CLAIMS OF THE HEATHEN WORLD ON THE
CHURCH OF GOD (ver. 21).
1. Paul stands at the head of the whole Christian army. Such a man would, of
course, be setapart to the work which the Masterregardedas most
important. Just as in a greatwarfare our best generalwould be despatchedto
occupy what was the key to the whole position, so whereverwe find Paul,
there, we may conclude, the Church's greatbattle is to be fought, the
Church's greatwork is to be done. Now, to human eye, such a man seemed
supremely desirable at Jerusalem. Reasonwould say, "Above everything,
make sure that the Church is strong at the centre. The best you can do for the
extremities is to do the best that canbe done for the heart. Do not, on any
account, let Paul go. Anything will do for the outposts;anyone will do for a
missionary." But the very form in which the charge is given is enough to show
that the Church's greatestandmost pressing work is the making known of
Christ among the heathen; and so from that point Paul's life was unceasingly
devoted to this end.
2. That was the greatwork of the Church then, and it is the greatwork now.
Every reasonmight have been urged for keeping Paul in Jerusalemthen that
could have been pleaded for retaining him in Christendom now. Say what you
will about the needs and claims of home, the fact is undeniable that there are
comparatively few at home who have not the opportunity of knowing Christ,
while three-fourths of the world are as ignorant of Christ as they were then;

and the inevitable inference is that the Lord, who left the sheep that were safe
in the fold and went out after that which was lost, is saying to His Church
now, "Depart, for I will send thee far hence unto the heathen."
3. Has the Church been acting upon that conviction? What of the vast empire
of China? What of India? How much have we given of thought, or heart, or
trouble, or time, or means, or prayer, to the work that lies nearestto the heart
of Christ? How many of us sympathise with a young Christian lady who,
when a friend remarkedthat it was a far way to go to Japan, replied, "Yes,
very far, if it was only to make money; but not too far to tell the heathen
about Jesus!"
(J. H. Wilson.)
Promptness
H. C. Trumbull, D. D.
Promptness in doing is as important in God's service as patience in enduring.
The soonera duty is attended to, a dangeris turned from, or an error is
corrected, the better. If we are in the wrong place, we ought to "make haste"
and getout of it. If we are engagedin a bad business, we ought to "make
haste" and quit it. If we are pursuing an improper or an unwise course of
conduct, we ought to "make haste" and do differently. If we are indulging a
habit which we should not wish fastenedupon us permanently, we ought to
"make haste" and break awayfrom it. If we have wrongedanother, we ought
to "make haste" and repair the injury. If we have wounded another's feelings,
we ought to "make haste" and express regretfor our conduct. We cannotbe
too prompt in meeting every responsibility which is upon us for the time
being. We need never fear that it would have been better for us to bare
delayed doing right.
(H. C. Trumbull, D. D.)

Depart, for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
The mission of Paul
J. Mitchell, D. D.
Note that —
I. WHEN GOD HAS ANY GREAT WORK TO ACCOMPLISH, HE WILL
NOT WANT PROPER MEANS TO EXECUTE IT. The call of the Gentiles
had been the purport of many a prophecy. The era was now arrived when it
should be realised;and while the apostles, influencedby Jewishprejudice,
neglectedthis enterprise, God raised up Paul. Men may often projectgigantic
enterprises, but want the means of executing them. Nay, man may not only be
incompetent to provide the means, but be incapable of contriving them, or
even of imagining what they should be. But God's understanding and ability
are infinite. If He contemplate the end, He can also command the means. He
can constructthe lever which shall move the world.
II. GOD OFTEN FITS INSTRUMENTSPROSPECTIVELYFOR HIS
PURPOSE. Wisdomlargelyconsists in improving means alreadyprepared,
and few men know how to do that effectually; but God can provide the means
beforehand, and adapt them, with the most consummate skill, to the end in
view. He had been previously fitting Paul by his training "at the feet of
Gamaliel," by his proficiency in the Greek tongue, and by his acquaintance
with the learning of the heathen world. So was it in the cases ofMoses,David,
etc., and so it is still; and as that diamond is ripening silently in its bed, under
the agencyofthe hidden processesofnature, which is afterwards to shine in
the diadem of the prince and brighten the splendours of empire, so the
servants of God are often, unconsciouslyto themselves, preparing for a
destination which neither they nor their friends had before contemplated.

III. GOD NEVER SUFFERS THE POWERS WHICH HE HAS
CONFERREDUPON ANY OF HIS SERVANTS TO REMAIN LONG
UNUSED. Men, if left to themselves, may suffer their talents to rust, their
energies to slumber, and may not perceive when they ought to start in the
careerof usefulness. But when the time is come that Godhath set, then the
instrument He has prepared shall be introduced. No sooner, accordingly, was
Paul convertedthan he cries out, "What shall I do?" So when Cornelius and
his householdhad been prepared, Peteris sent for, and is found ready; and
the vision "of the man of Macedonia" causedPaulto gather that the Lord had
calledhim to preach the gospelin that unthought of region.
IV. IT BELONGS TO GOD TO FIX THE SCENE OF THE MINISTRYOF
EACH OF HIS SERVANTS. He prescribedto Paul, when "He said unto him,
Depart," whither he should go in general:and in the course of his travels the
greatMasteralways guided the steps of this His missionary. And to Him this
prerogative still belongs;and surely it well becomes a servant of God to
consult His mind and will, and to submit with alacrity to the heavenly
destination in such matters. Woe to him if he consults with secularand selfish
interests!Should he, like Jonah, decline any service to which Godcalls him, he
shall find that God canfollow him.
V. THE REGION TO WHICH A MINISTER OF GOD IS DESTINEDMAY
BE GREATLY REMOTE.Mostfrequently He allows His servants to labour
in their own country. Thus the eleven apostles continuedto minister in
Judaea, while Paul went forth to the Gentiles. Norin vain. His servantobeyed,
and was blessed. So Abram, being calledof Godto follow Him to a land
unknown, "by faith went out, not knowing whither he went," and God
prospered him greatly.
VI. WITH THE DIVINE COMMISSION IN HIS HAND, NO MINISTER OF
THE LORD JESUS NEED FEAR TO GO WHEREVER HIS GREAT

MASTER SHALL SEND HIM. Far be it for us to make light of the difficulties
connectedwith a mission of this character. Still the Lord is everywhere with
His servants, and he who trusts Him shall not want support, even in a strange
land, and amid an unknown people.
VII. THE WORK TO WHICH GOD CALLS HIS SERVANTS
EVERYWHERE, at home and abroad, is GREAT AND HONOURABLE —
glorifying to Himself and beneficial to man (Acts 26:16-18). Think upon —
1. The characterof the work:it is highly intellectual and spiritual, holy and
heavenly.
2. The subject of it. "Should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ."
3. The object of it — to save perishing souls.
4. The issue of it. It leads to an acceptance the most honourable, to a
commendation the most enrapturing, to rewards the most glorious.
VIII. THROUGH DIVINE MERCY, THE SUCCESS OF SUCH
MISSIONARIES WILL BE PROPORTIONEDTO THE DIFFICULTY OF
THE ENTERPRISEAND THE DIGNITY OF THE WORK. When Paul
beganhis course no instrument could appear more inadequate, no attempt
more unpromising. Yet what mighty success attendedthe ministry of the
devoted apostle! Conclusion:Learn —

1. The great and universal rule of Christian obedience. It is to comply in all
things with the Divine will.
2. The glory of Divine grace as a practicalprinciple. You see in the example of
Paul what it will prompt a man to undertake and to achieve.
3. The best sphere of duty — that which God assigns,be it abroad or at home.
4. The blessedconsequencesofsimple devotedness in a servant of God.
(J. Mitchell, D. D.)
Call to the work of foreign missions
C. Hodge, D. D.
I. THE WORK OF FOREIGN MISSIONSIS NOT A DISTINCT PART OF
THE GENERALWORK OF THE CHURCH. The commissionunder which
the Church acts has equal reference to all parts of the field. The work of the
missionary is therefore not different from the work of a minister. A man who
enlists for a soldier goes whereverhe is sent.
II. A CALL TO THE WORK OF MISSIONS THEREFORECAN ONLY BE
ANALOGOUS TO THE QUESTION WHETHER A MINISTER IS TO BE
SETTLED IN ONE PLACE RATHER THAN ANOTHER. How is a man to
decide this point? The question assumes that —
1. The Lord has a purpose in regardto the locationof His ministers.(1) This is
inferred from —(a) The doctrine of providence, which teaches that God's
purpose extends to all things, and that He overrules all things to the

accomplishmentof His purpose. The place of our birth, our education,
profession, and field of labour are all included in His plan.(b) The doctrine of
Christ's headship and guidance of His Church by His Spirit, by which He
dispenses gifts to eachone according to His will, and leads His people in the
way in which they should go.(2)It follows from His peculiar relation to
ministers. They are stars in His hand, and He assigns to eachhis sphere. They
are His ambassadors, andHe sends eachon his own mission. They are His
labourers, etc. We find, therefore, that He sentJonah to Nineveh, Paul to the
heathen, Peterto the circumcision.
2. He makes that purpose known.(1)This must be inferred from the nature of
the case.We are rational creatures and are governedby rational means. If
God has a designfor us to accomplishHe must therefore make it known.(2)
As a matter of experience we find that God does make known His purpose. He
did so in the case ofprophets and apostles, anddoes so in the case ofordinary
ministers. It is not to be inferred, however, that this is always done in such a
way as to preclude our investigation, nor so as to prevent mistake. A man may
mistake and go counter to God's will, and the consequencesare disastrous.
We ought therefore to give the matter careful consideration.
3. How does God revealHis will to ministers as to where they shall labour?(1)
By inward dealings.(a)He furnishes them with gifts requisite to some special
field of labour.(b) He addresses theirunderstandings, presenting the wants of
different parts of the field; the facilities for usefulness;the demand for
labourers.(c)He addresses their conscience.(d)He addresses their hearts,
awakensan interestin particular portions of the field , and infuses into them a
desire for the work.(2)By outward dispensations.(a)He removes obstacles out
of the way, such as want of health, obligations to parents, etc.(b) He sends
messages to them by friends.(c) He stirs up the Church to callthem here or
there.

III. THE DUTY OF CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY.
1. To feel that they are bound to go wherever Godcalls them — that it is not
for them to choose.
2. To feel perfectly submissive and say, "Whatshall I do, Lord?"
3. To investigate the subject, and use all the means to come to an intelligent
decision.
IV. THE BLESSEDNESSOF MISSION WORK, because —
1. Its results are so glorious.
2. It is so peculiarly unearthly.
3. The promises are so abundant to those who forsake houses, lands, friends,
etc., for Christ's sake.
(C. Hodge, D. D.)
The Christian missionary
R. Wardlaw, D. D.
I.BY WHOM HE IS SENT? Who speaksin the text?

II.WHITHER IS HE SENT? "Farhence."
III.TO WHOM IS HE SENT? "The Gentiles."
IV.FOR WHAT END IS HE SENT? His errand is not one of —
1. Science.
2. Politics.
3. Civilisation.
4. But to spreadthe gospel.
V. WITH WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT IS HE SENT? The Lord commands;
that is sufficient.
(R. Wardlaw, D. D.)
God's mercy independent of sects or Churches
H. W. Beecher.
Ah! there was no prejudice againsthaving the Gentiles made — what? Jews:
but to have the JewishGod given to the Gentiles without the instrumentality
of the Jews;to have their God distributed outside of themselves by another

instrumentality; to have other people enjoy the same right in Jehovahthat
they did, standing on the same level — this was what they could not endure.
To carry the Jews'Godout from Judaea, and make Him a God of the
Romans, and of the Greeks, andof the Scythians, and of the Parthians, and of
the Assyrians — that was what offended them. Nationalgods, in old times,
were very valuable property. It used to be supposedthat the gods of a nation
were very much to it what armies and navies are to a nation nowadays. It was
supposedthat they defended it; that they took care of it; that they hated other
nations that were its adversaries. The idea that Jehovahwas a national God,
and that He was the God of the Jews, who did not wish their enemies to
participate in His poweror in His protection, runs through all Jewishhistory.
If one should come into your house, and take all your pictures, and books, and
furniture, and provisions, and distribute them along the whole street, you
would doubtless raise some objection; if one should come to my table, and
receive hospitality at my hands, and then take all my property, and scatterit
up and down the street, I should not like it; and men felt very much so about
their religion in those old times. It was a part of their national household
goods. The Jews'idea was that Godwas their specialproperty: and to give the
world the same right in Him that they had, was just so much to defraud them.
The Jews were peculiarlysusceptible to these ideas of appropriation, because,
for the sake oftheir faith, and in order to defend the name of Jehovahagainst
idolatry, they had suffered much persecution, and undergone many
hardships. Men appropriate truth to themselves;they make it personal, as if
they ownedit, as if it belongedto them; and so the Jews felt that, as they had
defended Jehovah, doubtless He must be grateful to them; that as they had
suffered for Him, they had a right to parcel Him out; that He ought to be a
gift from them; and to use Jehovahas the property of all mankind was to level
the Jew to the plane of other men. This would be humiliation and disgrace to
them, since they felt themselves to be ineffably superior to the rest of the
world; and they would not bear the degradationif they could help it. From the
outbreak of religious intolerance and religious cruelty recordedin the text we
may learn severallessons.
1. First, it is possible to hold religion in a malignant spirit. So long as religion
is understood to be an external system of ceremonies, laws,usages,

ordinances;so long as it consists ofa series ofbeliefs; so long as it is an
objective thing, embodied in usages andinstitutions, or in philosophical
creeds;so long as it appeals to the outward senses — it is quite possible to
cherish it at the same time with those feelings which belong to the bigoted
partisan. Unfortunately, that which we have seenamong the Jews we have
never ceasedto see among men who have held the great institutions of
Christianity or institutions that have purported to be Christian — that they
held them in rancour, pride, and selfishness,and defended them with
bitterness. Christ was the loving, atoning Saviour. And what has been the
history of the Church that representedHis disinterestedsuffering, the bounty
of His love, and His benignity to His enemies? The long record of Church
history has been a record almost unvarying of arrogance, andpride, and
violence, and persecution. Men have receivedthe religion of Jesus Christ just
as the Jews receivedthe religion of the Old Testament, to hold it in carnal
bonds with most malignant human passions. Is the same spirit existing now
which broke out in this tumult among the Jews? Do men hold religion in the
same malignant way that they did? Is there the same jealousyin respectto the
partition of the benefits of Christ that there was in respects to the diffusion of
the knowledge ofJehovah? Whathas been the history of the sects? andwhat
is today the feeling of the sects? Is the Roman Catholic Church unwilling that
all the world shall have all the benefits of the mediation of the Lord Jesus
Christ? Oh, no. The Roman Catholic Church stands saying to all the world,
"Come into our Church, and under our regulations, and you shall have the
Saviour. But you cannot have the Saviour outside of our Church. Come to us
and you shall have Him, but you cannothave Him and leave us out." Are the
derivative Churches, are the hierarchicalChurches, are the Protestant
Churches, in spirit, different from the Roman Catholics? Are goodmen,
learned men, wise men, unwilling that Christ should be preachedamong the
Gentiles — that is, among Dissenters?Oh, no. Is the EpiscopalChurch
unwilling that the truth of Jesus should be made knownto outsiders? Oh, no.
It is more than desirous that they should all have the bounty and blessing that
is in Christ; but then they must have it in the true Church. They must have it
in the line of apostolicity. Well, let us take the greatCalvinistic Presbyterian
Church. May anyone have Christ's atoning mercy and the hope of everlasting
life? Yes, if he believes in the absolute sovereigntyof God; in original sin, with

enough of actualtransgressionaddedto it; in regeneration;in the efficacious
compassionand suffering and death of Christ; in Divine penalty, and in the
eternity of future punishment. "Come into our creed," says that Church,
"and you shall have the mercy and blessing of God." It is the Jewishstate of
mind over again. It is the same spirit which they manifestedwho shook their
raiment, and threw dust in the air, and clenched their hands, and gnashed
their teeth, and cried out againstPaul, and demanded that he should be torn
in pieces. In this regard, human nature is pretty much the same all the way
through. There is everywhere the same conceit, the same arrogance,the same
exclusiveness."Whatwe have is right — of that there is no mistake. And for
those who are outside our ecclesiasticalconnection, and are not of our way of
believing, there is nothing but darkness."What, then, is the truth? God, as He
has taught both in the Old Testamentand in the New, is God over all, blessed
forever; and all men, from the rising of the sun until the going down of the
same, have children's rights in God as their Father. All men have a right to
take part and lot in Him, and to hope in Him. God is the God of all the earth.
He belongs to no sect, to no party. He has given to no class the right to
appropriate Him. There is not a creature on the face of the earth that is not
dear to God. There is not a man so imperfect, or so full of infirmity, that God
does not care for him and sustainhim; and the bestmen living are pensioners
on Divine grace and bounty: If God takes the worthiestof His creatures, out
of the fulness of His own graciousness, andnot on accountof their desert, can
He not take the others also, out of that same graciousness?And does He not
take them? The whole tide of the Divine thought through the world is a
thought of goodness;the whole heartbeatof God along the earth is a heartbeat
of mercy; and that thought, that heartbeat, is for all mankind. God is working
for them; He is shaping His providences for their benefit, and that just as
much when He chastises themas when He gives them pleasure. He is
preparing them for something better than this life. "Well, then, do I
understand," you will say, "that an unconverted man is as goodas a
convertedman?" No, I do not say that at all. But if you were to ask me, "Who
owns the sun?" I should say, "Nobodyowns it; it belongs to the globe, and
everybody has a right to it." Here are men who are surrounded by ten
thousand climatic influences which may be turned to goodaccount; but they
never reap ample harvests. Why? Becausethey do not know how to make use

of those influences in cultivating the soil. Those who do, sow their seed. and
reap abundant harvests. There is a vast difference in the results of these men's
farming; and yet, the sun stands offering as much to one as to another. Now, it
is with God's mercy as it is with the sunlight. What does the sunlight bless? It
blesses industry, integrity, knowledge. It is ready to bless everybody who will
partake of its bounty. The right to it is not conferredby magistrate,
legislature, or government. Sunlight is everybody's; and yet everybody does
not getgoodout of it. It is shame to some;it is torment to others;it is rebuke
to others; and it is blessing, endless and fathomless, to yet others. Whether it is
beneficialto a personor not depends upon how he uses it. God's love, and
mercy, and bounty are universal, and men appropriating them find them
personally useful; but rejectedand excluded, they find them no good. Two
men are walking in a garden. One walks in the alleys, and everywhere sweet
and pleasantshade falls upon him; the fragrance ofthe orange greets him on
every side; he enjoys all the beauty of prodigal luxuriance; he is surrounded
by blossoming flowers and ripening fruits; and to him it is a garden of grand
delights. The other man lies drunk under the shade of a tree. There are the
same fruits, the same flowers, the same fragrance for him that there is for the
other man, only he is not in a condition to appropriate them. One goes out of
the gardenfull of gladness, and laden with its treasures. The other has no
more of the garden than if he had never seenit. It is the nature of the men,
and not any partiality in the garden, that makes the difference. We are
prepared, then, to answersome questions. May an unconverted man pray to
God? This is a question which has disturbed many persons. Some think that
when they are Christians they have a right to pray, but not till then. But why
may not anyone pray to God? And does a man need to go through a technical
experience inside a church before he has a right to pray to God? There is no
man that wants to pray who has not a right to pray. Take heart, then, sinning,
wicked, desponding man! If there is nobody else that cares for you, God cares
for you. If every tongue is out againstyou; if all manner of prejudices hedge
up your way; if the Church has surrounded you with obstacles, Godthinks of
you, and will help you. You have an interestin the heart of Jesus;and if God
be for you, who can be againstyou? Therefore, take courage. You are not a
churchman? You are not much educatedin matters of religion? Ah, but you
know something of sin! You desire to be releasedfrom its grasp. A sinner no

right in God! Think a moment. Has he not a right to a Saviour? May he not
partake of Divine goodness? Especiallyhas he not a right to invoke God's
blessing? It is because Godis what He is that all men have rights in Him. It
once used to be saidthat men had no rights which God was bound to respect.
A better thought has come over the Christian community. Men have rights.
God gave them, and they are at liberty to exercise them. Has not a child
rights, because his parent is his superior, and has authority over him? The law
says Yes; public sentiment says Yes; and the voice of Nature says Yes. And
because a man is formed subordinate to God, and under His authority, has he
not rights of mercy, of justice, of love, and of truth? May we hope, then, that
the dissolute and the wickedshall have mercy? There is not a man who lives
who has not a right to food, and, through food, to strength, and, through
strength, to executive efficiency. Men also have the right to joy — manly joy.
Yet, you say to me, "Maya man have joy, though he be an old glutton, swollen
with superabundance of blood?" Why, yes; but not as a glutton. If he will
become temperate, and purge awayhis humours, and restrain himself to due
moderation, he may. If I am cold, and wish to protectmyself againstthe
weather, I can, if I will seek the proper shelter. If I am shivering on the north
side of a rock, I canget warm if I have a mind to, but not so long as I remain
on the north side. There are infinite mercies of God toward men; and all are
wicked, for there is not a man on earth who is righteous, perfectly so, not one.
Every man is imperfect in this mortal state. Nevertheless,the bounty of Godis
proffered to each. And it is receivedand enjoyed by all who take it as it is to
be taken. The condition of Divine favour, of pardon, and of salvation, is not
that you shall be inside of any Church; is not that you shall be Jew or
Christian in the sectariansense;is not that you shall be in the Roman, or
Episcopal, orPresbyterian, or Baptist, or Methodist, or Congregational, or
Lutheran, or Unitarian, or Universalist, or any other Church. What you want
is simple personalsympathy With God, who is above all Churches, and who is
offered to men without any regard to Churches. It is true that a man may be
more likely to come into an intelligent knowledge ofGod, and His
requirements and promises, in the sanctuary than out of it. The help which we
receive from God is a gift springing out of the infinite resources ofHis love.
But there are external and incidental helps. Churches are helps — not
masters;servants — not despots. You are free. Godis the God of all the earth;

He is the God of every human being; and nothing separates betweenyou and
God but — what? Your creed? No. Your ordinances? No. Your pride and
selfishness?Do these turn God sour? No. Nothing separates betweenyou and
God but your ownwill. Here I stand, holding out a handful of gold; but can a
man receive that gold unless he comes and puts out his hand and takes it? No.
Still the hand is open and held out to him. So long as men clench their fists
they cannot take it, but if they will open their hands and make the necessary
movement they can. Much of God's bounty, and forgiveness, andhelp, and
succour, will come upon you, at any rate, through the incidental influence of
Divine providence; but the personalmercies of God, the sweetnessofHis
grace, the effluence of His love — these may be yours, they may succouryou,
restore you, strengthen you, inspire you, and build you up in time for eternity,
if you will; but it all lies with you.
(H. W. Beecher.)
Distant missions
H. C. Trumbull, D. D.
God always has a place for His children. If they are not wantedin one sphere,
they are in another. Their place may be "far hence," far from the sphere
which they long to fill, far from their present circle of companionship; in quite
another professionand line of service from that which they have felt sure they
were intended for; but whereverit is, it is the only place for them to be in. The
far-off place which God choosesis better than any place nearer which is the
disciple's preference. God sometimes comes to a teacherin his class, to a
superintendent at the head of his school, to a pastor in a delightful field of
labour, to a father or a mother in a pleasanthome, to a student in the middle
of his college career, to a business man in a work for which he seems
eminently fitted, and says to the surprised hearer, "I will send thee forth far
hence." When God speaks thatword, no child of His may hold back from a

prompt and hearty acquiescence. The only proper response to such an
announce. ment is, "Even so, Father, for so it seems goodin Thy sight."
(H. C. Trumbull, D. D.)
The answerof the Lord to the "but" of His servants
K. Gerok.
1. Even the sincere servants of God have often a "but" againstthe commands
of the Lord: it may arise from fear as with Jonah, or from modesty as with
Moses andJeremiah, or from conscientiousness as with Peter, or from
compassionas with Abraham towardSodom, and Paul towardthe Jews.
2. Yet in spite of these "buts," the Lord remains firm to His command,
"Depart";and at length obtains the glory. "He has done all things well."
(K. Gerok.)
COMMENTARIES
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(18)Getthee quickly out of Jerusalem.—Itis obvious that this fits in better
with the first hurried visit after St. Paul’s conversionthan with the second,
when he came with Barnabas with alms for the sufferers from the famine.
(See Note on Acts 11:30.)
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

22:12-21 The apostle goes onto relate how he was confirmed in the change he
had made. The Lord having chosenthe sinner, that he should know his will,
he is humbled, enlightened, and brought to the knowledge ofChrist and his
blessedgospel. Christis here called that Just One; for he is Jesus Christthe
righteous. Those whom God has chosento know his will, must look to Jesus,
for by him God has made knownhis good-willto us. The greatgospel
privilege, sealedto us by baptism, is the pardon of sins. Be baptized, and wash
awaythy sins; that is, receive the comfort of the pardon of thy sins in and
through Jesus Christ, and lay hold on his righteousness forthat purpose; and
receive poweragainstsin, for the mortifying of thy corruptions. Be baptized,
and rest not in the sign, but make sure of the thing signified, the putting away
of the filth of sin. The greatgospelduty, to which by our baptism we are
bound, is, to seek for the pardon of our sins in Christ's name, and in
dependence on him and his righteousness. Godappoints his labourers their
day and their place, and it is fit they should follow his appointment, though it
may cross their own will. Providence contrives better for us than we do for
ourselves;we must refer ourselves to God's guidance. If Christ send any one,
his Spirit shall go along with him, and give him to see the fruit of his labours.
But nothing canreconcile man's heart to the gospel, exceptthe specialgrace
of God.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
And saw him - Evidently, the Lord Jesus, Acts 22:14. He had receivedhis
commissionfrom him, and he now receiveda distinct command to go to the
Gentiles.
For they will not receive - The inhabitants of Jerusalem, probably including
both Jews and Christians. The Jews wouldnot listen to him because he had
become, in their view, an apostate, andthey would hate and persecute him.
The Christians would not be likely to receive him, for they would remember
his former persecutions, and would be suspicious of him because he had been
so long in Arabia, and had not soonerconnectedhimself with them. See the
notes on Acts 9:26, "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayedto join
himself to the disciples;but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that
he was a disciple."

Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary
18. get … quickly out of Jerusalem—compare Ac 9:29.
for they will not receive thy testimony … And I said, Lord, they know, &c.—
"Canit be, Lord, that they will resistthe testimony of one whom they knew so
well as among the bitterest of all againstThy disciples, and whom nothing
short of resistless evidence couldhave turned to Thee?"
Matthew Poole's Commentary
Get thee quickly out of Jerusalem;this St. Paul takes notice of, that it might
appear unto the Jews that he did not out of choice, orbecause he bare a
grudge againstthem, decline them, and preach to the Gentiles.
For they will not receive thy testimony concerning me; as if Christ had said,
They who were appointed unto life, and were curable, are already cured; but
the restwho are hardened, nothing remains for them but utter destruction.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
And I saw him saying unto me,.... That is, the Lord Jesus Christ, that just
One, whom he had seenin his way to Damascus,and whose voice he had
heard, and whose name he had calledupon at his baptism:
make haste, and getthee quickly out of Jerusalem:not because his life was in
danger, but because Christhad work for him to do elsewhere, whichrequired
haste;and that he might not continue here useless and unprofitable, as he
would have been, had he staid;
for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me; Christ the omniscient
God, and the searcherofthe hearts, knew the hardness and unbelief of the
Jews;and that they would continue therein, notwithstanding the ministry of

the apostle;and that they would give no credit to any testimony of his, that he
saw him, as he went to Damascus, andheard words from his mouth. The
Ethiopic version renders it without the negative, "for they will receive thee,
my witness concerning me";as if Christ sent the apostle awayin all haste
from Jerusalem, lesthe preaching there, the Jews should believe and be
healed; compare with this Matthew 13:14. Very likely this interpreter might
be induced to leave out the negative, as thinking that the apostle's reasoning in
the following words required such a sense andreading.
Geneva Study Bible
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of
Jerusalem:for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Expositor's Greek Testament
Acts 22:18. σπεῦσον καὶ ἔξ.: implying danger, cf. Acts 9:29.—σου μαρτ.:
grounded upon the occurrence before Damascus, and so a striking testimony.
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
18. and saw him saying unto me] In Acts 9:29-30 no mention is made that a
vision had appeared to Saul commanding him to depart from Jerusalem. It is
only said that “the disciples” senthim away. But these two statements are not
inconsistentwith eachother. Saul might be warnedto go, and the disciples at
the same time prompted to send him. In the same way two different causes,
one natural, the other supernatural, are mentioned Acts 13:2-4, viz. the
prompting of the Holy Spirit, and the actof the Church of Antioch. And still
more like is the statementof St Paul(Galatians 2:2), that he went up to
Jerusalem“by revelation,” when it is placed side by side with Acts 15:2 where
we are told that the Christians of Antioch determined that Paul and Barnabas
should go up to consultthe church in Jerusalem.

get thee quickly out of Jerusalem]We know from Galatians 1:18 that the
duration of the Apostle’s stay was but fifteen days.
receive thy testimony concerning me] Better (with Rev. Ver.), “receive ofthee
testimony, &c.” The Apostle, as is clearfrom what follows in the next verse,
consideredthat he would be speciallya messengerlikelyto persuade and
convince men of the truths of the Christian faith. God, in the vision, points out
that this will not be so.
Bengel's Gnomen
Acts 22:18. Αὐτὸν, Him) Jesus, Acts 22:8.—σπεῦσον, make haste)on account
of the plot laid for thee, and in order that the soonerthou mayestpreach
elsewhere.—οὐ παραδέξονται, they will not receive)Tapeinosis [see Append.]:
i.e. they will fight againstthy testimony.
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 18. - Because forfor, A.V.; of thee testimony for thy testimony, A.V.
and T.R. Getthee quickly, etc. The narrative in Acts 9:28-30 does not mention
the vision, but gives the murderous oppositionof the Hellenist Jews as the
reasonof Saul's departure from Jerusalem to Tarsus. Possibly, if it had not
been for the Divine warning, the apostle would have braved the danger and
lost his life.
PRECEPTAUSTIN RESOURCES
BRUCE HURT MD

Acts 22:18 and I saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste, and getout of Jerusalem
quickly, because theywill not acceptyour testimony about Me.'
KJV Acts 22:18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee
quickly out of Jerusalem:for they will not receive thy testimony concerning
me.
And I saw Him saying to me "Make haste" - Mt 10:14,23;Luke 21:21
Becausethey will not acceptyour testimony about Me - Acts 3:19; Ezekiel
3:6,7
See Map of Events Associatedwith Saul's conversionand ministry (Do not
copy - copyright by Holman)
Watch video of Paul's arrest and speechbefore the crowd
Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries
JESUS WARNS PAUL
OF THE DANGER TO HIS LIFE
And I saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste, and getout of Jerusalemquickly -
So Saul/Paul was not only born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but he was "sovereignly
sent" back to Tarsus (because of the threat in Jerusalemwhich God allowed)
after his conversionto Christianity. The ESV Timeline estimates that Saul
ministered for some 8 years (some say 10 years)in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia
from 37 AD to 45 AD. The Scripture is silent about this period of his life, but
the factthat the letter from the JerusalemCouncil is being carried indicates
that Gentiles were evangelizedand presumably had formed churches in those
regions. By deduction there is little doubt that the origin of those Gentile
brethren fellowships was the fruit of Paul's ministry during his 8-10 year
"divine exile" in Tarsus, the capital of Syria.

Make haste 4692)(speudo)means to do something quickly, to be in a hurry.
And if it Jesus commanding you to do it (aorist imperative = Don't delay!), it
is best to respond immediately! Luke used speudo describing Paul "hurrying
to be in Jerusalemif possible on the day of Pentecost."(Acts 20:16+). The
Lord adds Get out (exerchomai - to move out of or awayfrom an area, in this
case Jerusalem)againin the form of an urgent command (aoristimperative).
Luke describes the danger to Paul in Acts 9...
And he (PAUL) was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews;but they
were attempting (epicheireo = literally put their hands on him) to put him to
death. 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to
Caesarea andsent him awayto Tarsus. (Acts 9:29-30+).
Becausethey will not acceptyour testimony about Me - Not only will they not
acceptit but they would kill him (Acts 9:29) as they did Stephen. Stephen got
stoned for his testimony "You men who are stiff-necked(sklerotrachelosfrom
skleros = hard + + tráchelos = the neck - resistance againstchanging one's
behavior) and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy
Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. “Which one of the prophets did
your fathers not persecute? Theykilled those who had previously announced
the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have
now become;" (Acts 7:51-52+)Similar words were spokenby God to His
prophet Ezekielalmost500 years earlier "Foryou are not being sent to a
people of unintelligible speechor difficult language, but to the house of Israel,
nor to many peoples of unintelligible speechor difficult language, whose
words you cannot understand. But I have sent you to them (ISRAEL) who
should listen to you; yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you,
since they are not willing to listen to Me. (NOW GOD EXPLAINED WHY
THEY WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO LISTEN)Surely the whole house of

Israelis stubborn (Lxx = philoneikos [philos = friend or loving + neikos =
dispute] = quarrelsome, contentious, fond of dispute!) and obstinate (Lxx =
sklerokardios = literally hard hearted; translates "crookedmind" in Pr
17:20). (Ezekiel3:5-7+)
Matthew Henry said, “As God knows before who will receive the gospel, so He
knows who will rejectit.”
Accept (3858)(paradechomai from para = from, beside, near + dechomai =
acceptdeliberately and readily, receive kindly and so to take to oneselfwhat is
presentedor brought by another) means literally to receive or acceptnearor
beside and then to acceptdeliberately, willingly, favorably and readily. In this
case Jesussays they absolutely, positively will not welcome your message.
Paradechomaiwas usedto describe goodhearts that would "acceptit (SEED -
WORD OF GOSPEL)and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” (Mk
4:20) How foolish both in time and eternity that these Jews wouldrefuse to
receive the Word implanted which could have savedtheir souls! (James
1:21+).
The omniscient Jesus knew that a plot on his life was in the works (Acts 9:22-
23+).
Paradechomai - Mk. 4:20; Acts 15:4; Acts 16:21; Acts 22:18;1 Tim. 5:19;
Heb. 12:6
Testimony (3141)(marturia/martyria) describes a witness who sees anevent
and reports what happened, in Paul's case his encounterwith the ascended
Lord Jesus. The Jews wouldnot acceptthis testimony because it meant that

they had been unsuccessfulin their attempts to kill Him but that He had risen
from the dead.
LIFE APPLICATION GOD'S GUIDANCE -God spoke to Paulthrough a
vision and through his friends (Acts 9:29-30). He speaks to us in various
ways—throughhis written Word, through circumstances and "coincidences,"
through Bible study, sermons, memories, nature, even art. The right question
is not, "Is God speaking to me?" but "Am I listening for his voice?" Make it
your goalto hear what God is saying. He wants to guide you and give you
daily reminders of his power and presence in your life. (Life Application Bible
Commentary – Acts)
Acts 22:19 "And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that in one
synagogue afteranother I used to imprison and beat those who believed in
You.
KJV Acts 22:19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in
every synagogue them that believed on thee:
they themselves understand Acts 22:4; 8:3; 9:1; 26:9-12
in one synagogue afteranother I used to imprison and beat Mt 10:17
PAUL REASONS
WITH JESUS

Jack Andrews - Paul wasn’t arguing with the Lord—though he was making
an impassioned plea to the Lord. He was in effectsaying that he believed that
his changedlife would lend weightto testimony before the Jews. (Ibid)
MacArthur - Paul wrongly believed that seeing the radicaltransformation the
Lord had wrought in his life would convince the unbelieving Jews ofthe truth
of the gospel. The Lord knew better, however, and repeatedHis command for
Paul to leave, saying to him, "Go! (see Acts 22:21). (MacArthur New
TestamentCommentary – Acts)
And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue
(sunagoge)afteranother - Note that Paul would go to the synagoguesbecause
that is where the first Jewishbelievers would go. After he met Jesus he
continued to go first to the synagogues, now not to persecute them but to
proclaim Jesus to them in hope that they would become believers! Such is the
transforming power of the Gospelof our salvation!
Understand (1987)(epistamaifrom epi = upon + histemi = to stand) means to
fix one's mind on, have intellectual apprehension, to understand - to possess
information about, with the implication of an understanding of the
significance ofsuch information
Robertson- In every synagogue (kata tas sunagogas). Up and down (kata)in
the synagogues.
I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You - Paul threw believers
into prison and beat them both of these verbs being in the present tense
indicating that as a zealous Pharisee this was his continual practice - to bind
and beat believers!

Beat(flogged, gave lashes, struck)(1194)(dero) literallymeant to remove the
skin (flay = strip off skin) and here Paul confessesto the practice of whipping,
beating, thrashing and scourging believers in a manner calculatedto take off
the skin(Mt. 21:35;Mk 12:3, 5; Lk 20:10, 11; Ac 16:37; 22:19)!Imagine how
this would have "appealed" to the Jews who were opposedto the believers in
Jesus.
Believed(present tense)(4100)(pisteuo)those who placedtheir faith in Jesus as
Messiahand Redeemer.
Acts 22:20 'And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I
also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who
were slaying him.'
KJV Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also
was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them
that slew him.
your witness Rev 2:13; 17:6
Stephen Acts 7:58; 8:1
approving Luke 11:48;Ro 1:32
PAUL ACKNOWLEDGES
APPROVING STEPHEN'S STONING

And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed - The KJV has
"Thy martyr" for in his death Stephen gave one of the most amazing
testimonies to a life sold out to Jesus. His "rewardin Heaven is great" (Mt
5:12+). Paul recognizedthat Stephen died for his faith—that he was the
Lord’s servantand the Lord’s martyr.
Your witness (martus/martys) - This is somewhatironic for in Acts 22:18
Jesus had told Paul in the trance that the Jews would not accepthis witness
concerning Jesus. Paulwould have had vivid memories of that horrible
stoning leaving little doubt that that might be his fate if he failed to heed the
warning to leave town. Martus is used in the Revelation(Rev 2:13+ = "of
Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan
dwells.")and (Rev 17:6+ = " I saw the womandrunk with the blood of the
saints, and with the blood of the witnesses ofJesus.")
Being shed (poured out) (1632)(ekcheofrom ek = out + chéo = pour) means
literally to flow out, to gush forth or to pour out . The inherent idea is to cause
something to be emitted in quantity. The imperfect tense is grotesquely
picturesque - as a doctor I envision a site I have often seenof an arterial bleed
which is pulsating in synch with the heart, so that it spurts out againand
again.
I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who
were slaying him - In modern legalparlance, Paul was in essence an
accomplice in the murder of Stephen, even if he did not pick up and throw a
stone at Stephen. He was watching the jackets whichmade it possible for
others to throw more effectively (having removed their coats)!He was as
guilty as those who actually threw the stones!

Approving (present tense)(4909)(suneudokeofrom sun = togetherwith + eu =
good+ dokéo = think) literally means to "think well with". To show close
identification that is personally involved (sun); enthusiasticallyagree, andso
to consentor to give hearty approval to something. Ponder that thought - Paul
was giving full, hearty approval as the stones were crushing on Stephen's
body! Only the Gospelcould save a heart that cold and hard!
All NT uses of suneudokeo - Lk. 11:48; Acts 8:1; Acts 22:20;Rom. 1:32; 1 Co.
7:12; 1 Co. 7:13
Watching (present tense)5442)(phulasso)means to preserve by keeping an eye
on, carrying out this role like a military guard or sentinel (cp Acts 23:35,
28:16). We geta greatpicture of phulasso which describes the vigilance of the
shepherds "keeping watchovertheir flock by night." (Lk 2:8+). Paul was
keeping his eyes on the coats lestone be snatchedaway. What irony, watching
coats so they would not be snatched, while he watcheda man's life be snatched
away!Paul's priorities as an unbeliever were "upside down!" And that's a
true statementfor virtually everyone who refuses to believe in Jesus. They
focus on the temporal which they will lose, and refuse to focus on the eternal
where they will lose their soul! They are double "losers!" How foolishcan you
be! Jesus says "the wayis broad that leads to destruction (apoleia = loss of all
purpose for which man is created= To glorify God!), and there are many who
enter through it." (Mt 7:13+)
All 31 uses of phulasso -
Mt 19:20;Mk. 10:20; Lk 2:8; Lk 8:29; Lk 11:21; Lk 11:28; Lk 12:15; Lk
18:21;Jn 12:25;Jn 12:47;Jn 17:12;Acts 7:53; Acts 12:4; Acts 16:4; Acts
21:24;Acts 21:25; Acts 22:20;Acts 23:35; Acts 28:16;Ro 2:26; Gal6:13; 2 Th

3:3; 1 Ti 5:21; 1 Ti 6:20; 2 Ti 1:12; 2 Ti 1:14; 2 Ti 4:15; 2 Pe 2:5; 2 Pe 3:17; 1
Jn 5:21; Jude 1:24
Were slaying (present tense)(337)(anaireo from ana = up + haireo = to take)
literally means to take up or lift up (from the ground), and most of the uses of
are in an active sense referring to literal killing or putting to death (Mt. 2:16;
Acts 5:36; 7:28; 9:23, 24, 29;16:27; 23:15, 21, 27;25:3). Anaireo speaks of
public execution (Luke 23:32; Acts 2:23; 10:39;12:2; 13:28; 22:20;26:10).
Acts 22:21 "And He said to me, 'Go! For I will send you far awayto the
Gentiles.'"
KJV Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence
unto the Gentiles.
Go - Acts 9:15
For I will send you - Acts 9:15; Acts 13:2,46,47;Acts 18:6; Acts 26:17,18;Ro
1:5; 11:13;15:16; 16:26;Gal 1:15,16;2:7,8; Eph 3:6-8; 1 Ti 2:7; 2 Ti 1:11
JESUS PROPHESIESPAUL'S
PURPOSEFULLIFE

ParallelPassageaddressedto Ananias to go to Saul/Paul but in the present
passageaddressedby Jesus to Paul the go is to the Gentiles (his
"commissioning" as the apostle to the Gentiles)...
But the Lord said to him, “Go (present imperative), for he is a chosen
instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the
sons of Israel; (Acts 9:15+)
I explain this more below, but that word purposeful could just as easily be
phrased "purpose filled." Purposefulmeans having meaning through having
an aim. When we travel with God, in His will (His "aim"), in His Spirit's
power, for His glory, our life becomes a great adventure (play song) and the
reward is temporal and eternal joy!
Alexander Maclaren- “Let us say all that is in our hearts. He will listen, and
clearawayhesitations, and show us our path, and make us willing to walk in
it. Jesus did not discuss the matter with Paul, but reiterated the command,
and made it more pointed and clear;and then Paul stopped objecting and
yielded his will, as we should do.”
And He said to me, 'Go! ForI will send you far awayto the Gentiles - This is
an interesting verse -- notice the command to Go which clearly is Paul's choice
(man's responsibility) juxtaposed to "I will send" which is Jesus'
empowerment (God's sovereignty). Our part/His part - this pattern is seenall
through the Bible as God invites saved sinners to join Him in saving sinners!
Amazing grace indeed! As as aside, "I will send you far awayto the Gentiles"
is a prophecy, a fore-telling! And of course it was fulfilled.
Jack Andrews - It is always goodto go where the Lord wants us to go and do
what the Lord wants us to do. May God give us wisdom and clear direction to
know His will and obedience and faithfulness to do His will! Homer Kent said,

“Paulhad not repudiated his people. He had preachedto Gentiles only
because Godhad directly ordered it.” Are we going where the Lord
commands us to go? Are we doing what the Lord commands us to do? Are we
serving where the Lord has us to serve? Are we taking advantage of every
opportunity to share our testimony and His gospel? Paultook advantage of
every opportunity to witness for Jesus!Paul talked about his testimony: his
conduct before Christ. Paul talkedabout his transformation: his coming to
Christ. Paul talked about his task: his commissionby Christ. Let us be faithful
in taking the gospelof Jesus Christ to those who need Him. Would you take
advantage of every opportunity in Jesus name?.(Jack Andrews Expository
Studies – Understanding Acts)
It is interesting that Jesus gives Paul"go" commands in Acts 22 - Acts 22:10
(go on into Damascus), Acts 22:18 ('Make haste, and getout ) Acts 22:21 (Go!
from Jerusalem)
Go (4198)(poreuo)means to move from one destination (port) to anotherand
it implies (especiallyin the context of this passage)to travel along a purposeful
("PURPOSE FILLED")passageway!Go is in the present imperative which is
a command for this to always be Paul's direction in life. In addition it is in the
middle voice which underscores Paul's personalinvolvement in the process.
THOUGHT - When we willing travel on the path God has laid out for us we
are blessedfor He gives eternal meaning to our temporal journey when we
"go in His direction," (so speak). And bestof all when we "go in His
direction," He puts the wind of His Spirit in our sails to enable us to navigate
the inevitable challenges that will arise along that journey. And remember,
the secularad gotthis one right - to paraphrase it "You only go around once,
grab for all the gusto of God's purpose you can!" (Gusto means "enthusiastic
and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation;vitality marked by an abundance of
vigor and enthusiasm" - Dearbeliever, don't you want a life like that? Of

course you do and it is yours for the taking, by grace through faith, daily
taking in the Word and relying wholly on the Holy Spirit!
Gary Hill adds "The Lord views all or goings (poreúomai) as "rewardable" or
"judgable" (Eccl12:14). Indeed, we are eternally held accountable forevery
decision(action) we make (cf. Jn 1:4,7,9 with 1 Cor4:5). This is underlined
by the fact that poreúomaiis always middle voice in the future tense, and
perhaps in other forms (depending on the context). All of our "goings"
(traveling) have eternalsignificance (everlasting repercussions)because the
Lord purposefully designed all the physical scenesoflife before creation. This
truth calls eachof us, all the time, to a purpose-driven life (God's purpose)!
(See Ps 119:89-91, 139:16.)Eachdecision(action)we make in faith transports
us to "His next stop," i.e. the next scene He setfrom eternity for our
everlasting gain (cf. Eph 2:10). There is no amoral scene in life – so everything
counts...becauseGodcounts all things! (DiscoveryBible)
Jesus amplifies the "Go" in Acts 26
‘But getup and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to
appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have
seen, but also to the things in which I will appearto you; rescuing you from
the Jewishpeople and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, (HERE
IS THE HIGH AND HOLY PURPOSE) to open their eyes so that they may
turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satanto God, that they
may receive forgiveness ofsins and an inheritance among those who have
been sanctifiedby faith in Me.’ (Acts 26:16-18)

FRANK ALLEN
PERSONALEXPERIENCE CONVINCING
The personalexperience of a devout, humble Christian who has been at one
time an opponent of
the Gospel, but has been converted and convincedof its truth and power, is
usually the most
convincing evidence which one can offer to worldly men of the reality of the
regenerating power
of Christ on heart and life. This was the kind of evidence which Paul gave to
the Jews. His past
record was knownto the officials and others at Jerusalem.
Why should a man so zealous for the law change from a persecutorto a
followerof Christ when
he knew he would suffer persecution? Surely nothing but honest conviction
could bring about
such a change. He had gainednothing in honor, ease or money. There was no
visible reward
awaiting him in the future. He was manifestly not a frenzied fanatic. He could
speak and act with
the utmost calmness and intelligence. Even that day there may have been
those there who were
convinced by his testimony. The most of them, however, were hardened and
would not hear him
through. When a man’s mind is agitatedwith hate it is very seldom that he
will yield to the
pleading of the Gospelmessenger.

Paul’s experience was used by him to convince many, under other
circumstances, andit has been
used to convince many in all the centuries that Jesus is the Christ. Our own
experiences, whether
in conversionor in the providences of God, may be used with great
effectiveness to convince and
strengthen men today.
The story of the life of Augustine, of how he was savedfrom a life of
indifference, excess and
shame, has been read by thousands and has done much to win and encourage
men who were in
sin or in doubt. The life of John Bunyan, of his conversionand of the grace of
God which saved
and sustainedhim, has been read and reread the world around. It has been
used to awakenmany
and to help many who were already awakened. The name of God has been
greatly honored by it.
I have heard a well-knownevangelistand Bible teachertell the following as
his ownexperience:
“I knew a man who used to go to dances at leastfour nights a week and in
summer time spend
his days on the race-course.He would spend a large share of his afternoons at
the card table and
the remaining nights on a big drunk or something of that kind. I have known
that man so touched
by the finger of Godthat you could not gethim to a ball unless you dragged
him by an ox-team,

unless he went to preach the Gospel. I have knownhim to do that. In the olden
days he loved the
theatre, but today he would be perfectly unhappy in a theatre unless he went
there to preach the
Gospel. I have known him to do that. In the olden days he played cards six
days out of sevenbut
today you could not hire him to touch cards. In the olden days the prayer
meeting would have
been crucifixion to him, but there is scarcelyanything he enjoys today as he
enjoys the prayer
meeting. In the olden days the Bible was the stupidest book to him, though he
read it every day.
He loved everything in the way of literature better than the Bible and religious
books. Todayhe
loves the Bible and sometimes he thinks he will not read anything else. I know
that man well. I
know him better than I know any other man, and knowing the transformation
that has taken place
in his life I know that the new birth is a reality, if I don’t know anything else.”
The speakerwas
Dr. R. A. Torrey. Such an experience stirs men deeply and has a remarkable
convincing power.
Dr. Haven tells of a lawyerwho entered a room where Christians had
gatheredto relate their
experiences. He took notes of what was said. At the close he was so impressed
that he arose and
said: “My friends I hold in my hand the testimony of no less than sixty
persons who have spoken

here this morning, who all testify with one consentthat there is a divine reality
in religion; they
have experiencedits power in their own hearts. Many of these persons I know.
Their word would
be receivedin any court of justice. Lie they would not, I know; and mistaken
they cannot all be. I
have hitherto been skepticalin relation to these matters. I now tell you that I
am fully convinced
of the truth and that I intend to lead a new life. Will you pray for me?”
Thomas Bilney was an ardent young convert and longed to do something for
his Master. Hugh
Latimer was a zealous RomanCatholic priest, who preached againstthe
reformation. Mr. Bilney
went to him and told him he wishedto confess.In the privacy of the
confessionalhe told him the
whole burning story of his conviction, conversionand newly-found happiness.
The Spirit
directed, and Latimer’s heart was searched, convincedand changed. From
that hour Latimer
gave his life to the cause he had before opposedand sealedhis testimony with
his blood.
With such facts as these in mind is it not apparent that it is worthwhile to tell
what the Lord has
done for your soul? Is it not worthwhile to tell of the greattransformation
which the Lord has
wrought in your heart?
THE CALL OF GOD FIRST

With Paul the callof God took precedence overpersonaldesires. At first, Paul
did not have a
personaldesire to go to the Gentiles. He had a hatred of them before his
conversion. He had a
desire to staywith the Jews in Jerusalemafter his conversion. While he was in
the temple the call
of God came to him to make haste and getout of Jerusalem. Even then he
protested; he replied to
God that he had persecutedthe Christians and consentedto the death of
Stephen, and was
evidently about to request the Lord that he might remain and testify at
Jerusalemthat he might
counteractwhat he had done againstthe Christians. But the Lord told him:
“Depart:for I will
send thee far hence unto the Gentiles” (Acts 22:21).
God does not direct us by means of a vision or trance as He did Paul. He
witnesses to us by His
Spirit and providences and thus points out the waywhich He would have us
go. When He points
the waywe should allow His call to take precedence ofeverything else and be
willing to go. We
should be ready to leave house and lands and brothers and sisters and father
and mother, if need
be, to respond to God’s call. Many are ready to go if there is no cross to bear,
but that is not
surrender. Jesus calls His disciples to take up their crosses from the first
moment that they accept

Him and to follow wherever He leads. Our Lord gave us a most striking
example in His own life
of what following Him means. He pointed out the fact that even the foxes have
holes, and the
birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man had not where to lay His head.
He left carpenter
shop and home; His disciples left fishing nets and business;and in like manner
should we be
willing to forsake allthat we may be His disciples and ready to do His bidding.
Moses hadwealth, honor, and possibly even a throne in Egypt awaiting him;
but he left these
voluntarily, choosing ratherto suffer affliction with the people of God than to
enjoy the pleasures
of sin. Elisha must have engagedin farming on a large scale whenhe had
employed eleven men
with ox teams; but he left them all when the callof God came, burned his yoke
of oxen and the
plow, giving them in sacrifice to God, and indicating that he was leaving his
earthly possessions
for the service of the Lord.
In modern times we have a noted example in Sadhu Sundar Singh of one who
had great
opportunities before him in his ownland and among his own people. His
father had influence
and wealth.
When his relatives saw that he seemeddetermined to follow Christ, his uncle
offered him

immense stores of wealthif he would give up his desire to be a Christian and
turn back to his old
religion and to his father’s home. Nothing, however, could turn him away
from what he felt to be
the callof God. Leaving everything behind he took his staff and started out to
preach Christ to
the poor and neglectedin the most remote and forsakenparts of India. He has
professedthat the
life of a lone Christian missionary gives him more happiness than anything
else, and he has
resolvedto give himself to a life and work of sacrifice in response to the call of
God.
“The Lord Christ wanted a tongue one day
To speak a messageofcheer
To a heart that was weary and worn and sad,
And weightedwith many a fear.
He askedme for mine, but ‘twas busy quite
With my own affairs from morn till night.
And the dear Lord Christ - was His work undone
For lack of a willing heart?
Only through men does He speak to men?
Dumb must He be apart?
I do not know, but I wish today
I had let the Lord Christ have His way.”
CALMNESS IN DANGER

The Holy Spirit gave Paul calmness and self-possessionin the midst of danger.
As one thinks of
Paul having been draggedout of the temple towardthe gate of the city, and of
the insults and
knocks that he must have receivedbefore the soldiers came down from the
castle to quell the
riot, he wonders that the apostle was either physically or mentally able to talk,
much less to make
a public address. Whenhe went to Jerusalemhe knew that God was directing
him, as He had
done for twenty years past, amidst varied trials and temptations and narrow
escapeswhile he had
journeyed through many lands. He was prepared for the worst. He knew that
God would not
cause him to endure more than He would give him grace to bear. He knew
that in weaknesshe
was made strong. He responded, not merely to the natural inclination to
defend himself, but to
the opportunity to witness for Christ. The Lord had told the disciples that
they should not be
unduly concernedin the hour of trial, for it would be given them in that hour
what they should
speak. Paulwas resting upon that promise. He could sayin a far truer sense
than Socratesathis
trial, that his whole life had been a preparation for that hour.
One of Frederick the Great’s leading generals was Hans Joachimvon Zieten.
He was a Christian

and not ashamed of his faith. Once he declined an invitation to his royal
master’s table, because
on that day he wished to present himself at the table of his Lord and Master
Jesus Christ. It was
the day on which the ordinance was to be observed. The next time he
appearedat the palace the
king, whose infidel tendencies were wellknown, made use of some profane
expressions about
the holy communion of the Lord’s Supper; and the other guests laughedat his
remarks.
GeneralZieten shook his gray head solemnly, stood up, salutedthe king, and
then said with a
firm voice:“Your Majestyknows well, that, in war, I have never feared any
danger, and
everywhere have boldly risked my life for you and my country. But there is
one above us who is
greaterthan you and me - greaterthan all men; He is Saviour and
REDEEMER, who has died
also for your Majesty, and has dearly bought us all with His own blood. This
Holy One I can
never allow to be mockedor insulted; for on Him repose my faith, my
comfort, and my hope in
death. In the powerof this faith, your brave army has courageouslyfought
and conquered. If
your Majestyundermines this faith, you undermine, at the same time, the
welfare of the State. I
salute your Majesty.”

This brave confessionoffaith by GeneralZieten made a powerful impression
upon the king. He
felt he had been wrong in his attack on the faith of his general, and he was not
ashamedto
acknowledge it. He gave his right hand to GeneralZieten and placing his left
upon the old man’s
shoulder, said with emotion, “O happy Zieten! how I wish I could also believe
it! I have the
greatestrespectforyou. This shall never happen again.” The king then rose
from the table and
dismissedthe other guests and invited GeneralZieten into his cabinet and
they had a long heart
to heart talk. What happened there was not divulged, but the testimony of the
brave General
encouragesus to continue to believe the fact that Godcan sustain those who
confess His name
under difficult circumstances, and He is able to direct them in what they shall
do and say.
Even little children can be calm in danger, and be given self-possessionand
courage to give their
testimony for Christ. During the period of the persecutionof the Covenanters,
a group of
children were ordered to be shot.
“A little girl of eight lookedup into the face of one of the soldiers and said:
“Sodgerman, will ye
let me take me wee brither by the hand and die that way?’‘Bonny Whigs ye
are,’cried

Westerha, ‘to die without a prayer.’ ‘If it please ye sir,’ said the little girl, ‘me
and Alec canna
pray, but we cansing, The Lord’s my Shepherd. My mother learnedit us
afore she gaedaway.’
Then all the bairns stoodup and from their lips rose the quavering strains,
‘The Lord’s my
Shepherd: I’ll not want.’ As they sang, trooper after trooperturned away.
Man after man fell out,
and the tears rained down their cheeks. At last even Westerha turned and
rode away, for the
victory was to the bairns through the singing of the twenty-third Psalm.” They
were sustained
under trial and gave their testimony as best they knew, and it was more
powerful than if they had
been able to speak with tongues of silver. “Fearthou not; for I am with thee:
be not
dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I
will uphold
thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah41:10).
REBUKE FOR NEGLECT AROUSES ANTAGONISM
When Paul ceasedto relate history and told the people that, because they
would not hear, God
had sent him to the Gentiles, they became furious and cried: “Away with such
a fellow from the
earth: for it is not fit that he should live” (Acts 22:22). There was a stinging
rebuke in the

declarationthat the Gentiles were more ready to hear the Gospelthan the
Jews;that God had
withdrawn the messengerfrom the Hebrews and senthim to the Gentiles. The
Jews held that
they were first in the sight of God and always would be, and anyone who
ventured to say that the
gospelwas to be given to the Gentiles in place of them was not fit to live.
It depends upon the condition of men’s hearts, to whom a rebuke comes,
whether they will
receive it and profit by it or not. At Pentecost, Peterrebuked the people in
Jerusalemmore
strongly than Paul did at this time. He told them plainly that they were the
crucifiers and
murderers of Christ; that God had honored Christ by raising Him from the
dead and setting Him
at the right hand of God. Many of those who heard Petersaid: “Menand
brethren, what shall
we do?” (Acts 2:37). Those who heard Paul said: “Away with such a fellow
from the earth:
for it is not fit that he should live!” If a man or a group of men have set
themselves to resista
righteous man, they will not listen to rebuke but become the more hardened.
If they are listening
with open mind, seeking the guidance of the Spirit, He will leadthem to see
their wickedness
and repent. Alas! even today when men are rebuked for their sins, they more
frequently become

hardened and resentful, rather than humble and penitent.
Ahab set himself to go on in his own sinful way regardless ofwhat God said;
and when the true
prophet Micaiahrebuked him, told him his plan would prove disastrous and
his life would be
taken, he commanded that the prophet should be punished, but he would not
yield.
Dr. W. L. Watkinsonsays that the Spaniards have a popular legend
concerning the Petrified
Man. The story relates that once he was in the flesh but that he appealedto
the blessedsaints to
turn him to a stone image if he had committed a certain fraud, of which he
was really guilty. In a
moment a curious change beganto come over him. Gradually his legs turned
to white stone. The
stone continued to creepfarther along his body until he was altogetherstone,
his eyes staring into
vacancy. Is it not frequently true of those whose sin is pointed out and who are
rebuked for it,
that their heart is hardened and their will becomes unyielding, until it seems
like changing stone
to effectany reform or to lead them to repentance?
There can be but one end for the man who will not heed the warning which
has been given of
God. He is like the traveler who was making his way along the Scottishcoast
and who was

induced to take the road by the sands as the most agreeable.He was warned
that he should not be
attractedso as to delay as he watchedthe beauty and grandeur of the waves
and rocks. A man
who noticed his delay warned him: “If you pass this spot you lose your last
chance to escape.
The tides are rising. There is an ascentnear you, and by it alone you can
escape.”Stillthe
traveler thought the warning was either foolishor else there was no need of
obeying it soon. But
as soonas he beganto look back he found that tide had cut off a retreatand
that he could not
climb the cliffs which were before him. He saw a projecting rock which he
thought was his last
refuge. But upon even this the relentless waterrose;they came to his feet, then
to his neck;he
uttered a despairing shriek for help, but no help was near. He had neglected
the lastopportunity
of escape and the sea closedoverhim in death.
The callof God comes to every man who reads His Word or hears His Gospel:
“How shall we
escape, ifwe neglectso greatsalvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). “Let the wicked
forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and
he will have
mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah
55:7). Jesus, when

speaking ofsome who had been killed, though not worse than the others, said:
“exceptye
repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5).
DR. JACK ARNOLD
Opposition to Paul (22:17-21): “And it came about that when I returned to
Jerusalemand was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance, and I saw Him
saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalemquickly, because theywill
not acceptyour testimony about Me.’ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves
understand that in one synagogue afteranotherI used to imprison and beat
those who believed in Thee. And when the blood of Thy witness Stephen was
being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the cloaks
of those who were slaying him.’ And He said to me, ‘Go! ForI will send you
far awayto the Gentiles.’” -- Paul reminded this angry mob that twenty-
sevenyears before this time he came to Jerusalemto tell them about Christ
and they were angry with him then as they were now. At that time God sent
him to the Gentiles.
ANGER OF THE JEWS - Acts 22:22-29
Protestof the Mob (22:22)

“And they listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their
voices and said, ‘Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be
allowedto live!’” -- Apparently at this point, Paul was to begin his defense,
but the word “Gentiles” infuriated this racially prejudiced Jewishcrowdwho
hated Gentiles and calledthem “dogs.” Godhad originally calledthe Jews to
be a vehicle to reachthe Gentile nations with the truth of Jehovah-God.
However, the Jews wrongly reasoned, “Godhas chosenus; therefore we must
be a superior people. Goddoesn't have any interest in the rest of the Gentile
nations. Let them all go to hell, for God is only interestedin the Jews!”
Christians must be careful about having an isolationistattitude. It is the
height of arrogance fora Christian to reason, “Godhas chosenme; therefore,
I'm superior. Let the world go to hell. I'm savedand God is only interested in
me!” Such pride, such haughtiness, such arrogance! God has chosenthe
Christian to salvationin order that Christ will save all who place their faith
and trust in Christ to save them. God always hates a self-righteous, superior
attitude and He will judge it accordingly.
Plan to Scourge Paul(22:23-29)

“And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks andtossing dust
into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks,
stating that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the
reasonwhy they were shouting againsthim that way.” -- The Romans had
decided that they were going to beat the truth out of Paul so they took him
back to the castle ofAntonia to scourge him. The scourge was a horrible type
of torture. The scourge consistedofstrips of leather with sharp metal or bone
fastenedto it. These strips of leatherwere fastenedto a stick for a handle. If
a person did not die under the scourge, he would certainly be crippled for life.
The whole purpose of the scourge was to extort a confession.
Protectionof Citizenship for Paul (22:25-29)
“And when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who
was standing by, ‘Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and
uncondemned?’ And when the centurion heard this, he went to the
commander and told him, saying, ‘What are you about to do? For this man is
a Roman.’ And the commander came and said to him, ‘Tell me, are you a
Roman?’ And he said, ‘Yes.’ And the commander answered, ‘I acquired this
citizenship with a large sum of money.’ And Paul said, ‘But I was actually
born a citizen.’ Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately
let go of him; and the commander also was afraid when he found out he was a
Roman, and because he had put him in chains.” -- All Roman citizens were
to have a legaltrial, and no Roman citizen was to be given the scourge. To
punish a Romancitizen illegally was punishable by death. These Romans

were about to commit a serious offense. Apparently, in the course ofthe
conversation, the commander made it known that he was a slave who had
purchased his citizenship for a high fee, but Paul was born a Roman citizen,
probably because his father or grandfather had served the Roman state well
and was rewardedwith citizenship which passedon through the family of
Paul.
CONCLUSION
For you without Christ, I want to remind you that the resurrectedChrist is
still seeking menand women, invading their lives and changing them just as
He did Paul. Conversionto Christ is real. How can you know Christ has
intervened in your life? The moment you call upon the name of the Lord
Jesus to save you, you will know that Christ has supernaturally come into
your life.
Call upon Christ. The Bible says, “Whoeverwill callupon the name of the
Lord will be saved.” Christ will give you a new heart with new desires. He
will also give you a powerful testimony, for you will experience a changedlife
which you will be able to share with others. Callon Christ's name to save
you, for today is the day of salvation.

JIM BOMKAMP
VS 22:17-21 - “17 “And it came about when I returned to Jerusalemand
was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18 and I saw Him saying to
me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalemquickly, because they will not
acceptyour testimony about Me.’ 19 “And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves
understand that in one synagogue afteranotherI used to imprison and beat
those who believed in Thee. 20 ‘And when the blood of Thy witness Stephen
was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the
cloaks ofthose who were slaying him.’ 21 “And He said to me, ‘Go! ForI will
send you far awayto the Gentiles.’”” - Paultells the crowdthat after coming
to Christ for salvation that he had a vision from Christ that told him to get out
of Jerusalemimmediately
11.1. In order to further demonstrate to the angry mob the authenticity of
his conversionexperience, Paulnow relates anincident which happened not
too long after his conversionwhen the Lord spoke to him as he ‘was praying
in the temple’ and had fallen ‘into a trance’, and, He told him to quickly get
out of Jerusalemsince the Jews would not accepthis testimony.
11.1.1.Paularguedwith the Lord and told Him that the people should accept
his testimony since he had been so zealous for God as a persecutorof the
Christians. However, the Lord told him emphatically, ‘Go!’
11.1.1.1.Paulhad not yet realized that just because youknow the truth and
God has done greatthings in your life, that it does not automatically mean

that people will hear and give heed to your sharing of your Christian
testimony and the gospel.
11.1.1.2.Note thatthe Lord immediately told Paul that his calling was to go
‘far awayto the Gentiles’.
11.2. Paul relates here that he had been holding the coats ofthose who were
stoning Stephen, the first martyr of the church, and Ken Ortiz claims that this
signified that Paul was in charge of this stoning and approved of eachman
who participated in the stoning, as he would collecttheir coats and send them
forth to do this.
11.2.1.This detailof Paul’s having been in charge in this incident yields
further credibility to his Christian testimony.
11.3. The angry mob had not yet gotten controlof their emotions at this
point, although they had been listening to Paul’s testimony with intent and
intrigue. So, when Paul mentioned the word ‘Gentiles’, this elicited all of the
emotions which they had had in the first place in wanting to murder Paul in
the theater.
11.3.1.Paulwas determined to share his God-given convictionthat the
Gentiles were equal and fellow-heirs with the Jews through Jesus Christ,
howeverthis Jewishcrowdwho was filled with prejudice and hatred towards
Gentiles did not want to hear that message atall.

12. VS 22:22 - “22 And they listened to him up to this statement, and
then they raisedtheir voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the
earth, for he should not be allowedto live!”” - The crowd now againwent out
of control in rage towards Paul and yelled out that he should be killed for his
blasphemy
12.1. Having heard Paul mention the word ‘Gentiles’, to whom he knew he
was calledby the Lord, the angry mob againwent into an uproar, saying that
Paul should be put to death.
12.1.1.Theywere also ‘crying out’, ‘throwing off their cloaks’, and ‘tossing
dust into the air’.
12.2. What we see here is that after Paul has spokento them under
inspiration of Christ, appealing to them as ‘brethren and fathers’, and then
sharing under the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit, the people do not
receive his testimony.
12.2.1.Again, it was the people’s prejudice againstthe Gentiles which kept
them from being able to receive this messagefrom Paul.
12.2.2.Whenpeople do not receive our testimony of Christ, it is not because we
are not just where God wants us to be, and that God has used us. After all,
Noahwas a preacherof righteousness who had no converts, as was Jeremiah.
Jesus, the only unique Son of God, the One who Paul describes in Hebrews
chapter 1 as, ‘the radiance of His glory and the exactrepresentationof His

nature’, had many who turned awayfrom Him during His ministry, and in
fact even one of His most inner group of disciples betrayed Him to the Jews to
be crucified.
12.2.3.InCampus Crusade they used to tell us that it was our responsibility to
share Christ in the powerof the Holy Spirit, and it was God’s responsibility to
produce fruit according to His perfect will and timing.
CALVIN
Verse 18
−
18.Because theywill not. Though the commandment of God alone ought to be
sufficient enough to bind us to obey, yet to the end Paul might be the more
willing to follow, Christ showeth him a reasonwhy he will have him depart
out of Jerusalem;to wit, because he should lose his labor there; but he was not
chosento that end that he might be idle, or do no goodby teaching; though
this were a sore trial, and such as we may think did sore shake him. − (515)
Not long before the function of preaching the gospelwas enjoined him, that
his voice might sound throughout the whole world; now even at the first
entrance he is inhibited; yea, his labor seemethto be condemned of peculiar
reproachwhen his witness [testimony] is rejected, because his personis hated.
But it was meet that the holy servant of the Lord should be thus humbled, that
all the preachers of the gospelmight learn to give over themselves wholly to
obey Christ, that when they be excluded from one place, they may be ready

immediately to go to another, and that they may not be discouraged, norcease
off from doing their duty, though they be undeservedly loathed. −
“ Sanctihominis pectus,” the holy man's breast.
Verse 19
−
19.Lord, they know. By this speechPaul doth testify that he was not beside
himself, or brought into perplexity, − (516)but that he did assuredlybelieve
the oracle. Forwithout doubt he knew Christ, whom he calleth Lord. And
Paul objecteth, that it cannotalmost be, but that when they see him so
suddenly changed, such a spectacle willmove them. Whence he gathereth that
he shall not be unfruitful. He thought so indeed; but Christ answerethflatly,
that he hath appointed him anothercharge, and he takethfrom him the hope
which he had in vain conceivedtouching the Jews. The question is, whether it
were lawful for Paul to object these reasons to Christ; for it is as much as if he
did avouchthat that is probable, which Christ said could not be. I answer,
that God giveth his saints leave, familiarly, to utter their affections before
him; − (517)especiallywhen they seek no other thing but the confirmation of
their faith. −
If any man stand in his own conceit, orstubbornly refuse that which God
commandeth, his arrogancyshallbe worthily condemned; but God
vouchsafethhis faithful servants of a singular privilege, that they may
modestly object those things which may callthem back from the desire to
obey; to the end that being free from lets, they may wholly addict themselves
to serve God; as Paul, after that he was taught that it pleasedthe Lord that it
should be so, he doth not gainsaynor contend any longer, but being content
with that one exception, and making an end there, he maketh himself ready to

take his journey, which he seemedto be loath to take. In the mean season,
whereas the Jews are not touched with so many miracles, their stubbornness
and pride, which cannot be tamed, is discovered. Which upbraiding did
undoubtedly cause them to rage. −
“ Mente aliena tam vel perplexum,” alienatedor perplexed in mind.
“ − Ut familiariter in ejus sinum exonerent suos affeetus ,” to unburden their
feelings familiarly into his breast.
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
Acts 22:18
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, andgetthee quickly out of
Jerusalem: fortheywill not receive thy testimony concerning me.
18. andsaw him saying unto me] In Acts 9:29-30no mentionis made that a
vision had appearedto Saul commanding him to depart from Jerusalem. Itis
only said that “the disciples” senthim away. Butthese two statements are not
inconsistent with eachother. Saulmight be warnedto go, andthe disciples at
the same time prompted to send him. In the same waytwo different causes, one
natural, the othersupernatural, are mentioned Acts 13:2-4, viz. the prompting
of the Holy Spirit, and the actofthe Church of Antioch. And still more like is
the statementofSt Paul(Galatians 2:2), thathe wentup to Jerusalem“by
revelation,” whenitis placedside by side with Acts 15:2 where we are toldthat
the Christians of Antioch determined that Paul and Barnabas shouldgo up to
consultthe church in Jerusalem.

getthee quickly out of Jerusalem] We know fromGalatians 1:18thatthe
duration ofthe Apostle’s staywas but fifteen days.
receive thy testimony concerning me] Better(withRev. Ver.), “receive ofthee
testimony, &c.” The Apostle, asis clearfromwhatfollows in the next verse,
consideredthathe would be speciallya messengerlikelyto persuade and
convince men ofthe truths of the Christianfaith. God, inthe vision, points out
that this will not be so.
Acts 22:19
And I said, Lord, theyknow that I imprisoned and beatin everysynagogue
them that believedon thee:
19. Lord, theyknow, &c.] The Rev. Ver. gives “theythemselves know” to mark
that the pronoun is emphatic. This is not English, but there seems to be no
other wayofindicating in our language the emphasis whichis expressedinthe
original. Saulis confident that he will be well knownby many to whomhe is
speaking, andthat his zealous persecutionofthe Christians less thanfour years
before cannothave fallen out ofmen’s memories.
I imprisoned and beat] The Greekimplies that this conductwas ofsome
continuance. Saulwas regularlyengagedinthe work.
in everysynagogue] Forthe synagogues as placeswhere suchpunishment was
inflicted cp. Matthew 10:17; Matthew23:34, Mark 13:9, Luke 21:12. Thatthey
were also placesinwhich charges wereheardis seenfromLuke 12:11.
Acts 22:20

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