In other words, 'You are only doing what I once
did!'
Act 22:10
WHAT SHALL I DO, LORD?: "It is a mistake to hamper the
question of duty with any secondary consideration whatever. The time has not
come for the saints to keep the world right. It has to be made right before even
keeping it right can be in question. The position of the saints is that of
sojourners on trial for eternal life. God will take care that their probation is
not interfered with by murder and violence before the time. The matter is His.
We are in His hands: so is all the world. We need not therefore be distressed by
thoughts of what will be the effect of any course required by Christ. He will
take care that His work comes out right at last. The simple and only question
for us, is that which Paul put near Damascus: 'Lord, what wouldst Thou have me
to do?' We may not do what involves disobedience to Him" (XdmAst 305).
Act 22:12
HE WAS A DEVOUT OBSERVER OF THE LAW: Note Paul's subtle
point here: it was not unusual at all for a Christian believer also to be
devoted to the Law.
Act 22:14
AND TO SEE THE RIGHTEOUS ONE: This was important, to
prove Paul's credentials as an apostle.
THE RIGHTEOUS ONE: OT title of the Messiah: Jer 23:6;
Psa 72:2; Isa 53:11 (cp Rev 19:11).
A figurative washing away of sins: 1Pe 3:21; Tit 3:5; 1Co
6:11; Acts 2:38.
CALLING ON HIS NAME: "Stephen just before his
execution, had a clear vision of his Advocate at the right hand of God, and was
both comforted and strengthened in his faith thereby. 'And they stoned Stephen,
calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit' (Act 7:54-60).
The believers suffering persecution at the hands of Saul of Tarsus are described
as 'all that call upon thy name' and 'them which call upon this name' (Act
9:14,21). Paul's own conversion caused a deep pricking in his heart, and so he
eagerly responded to Ananias' exhortation here. How closely this follows Peter's
advice to the assembled multitude at Pentecost! In 1Co 1:2 we see once more what
we could almost describe as a 'fellowship of calling and being called,' when
Paul addresses the brethren as 'sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,
with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, both
theirs and ours.' With such a calling who could turn away from the exhortation
to 'flee youthful lusts... with them that call upon the Lord out of a pure
heart' (2Ti 2:22)?" (NSp 136).
Or, "calling the Name of the LORD upon himself": cp Acts 2:21;
Jam 2:7; Gen 48:16.
Act 22:17
AND WAS PRAYING AT THE TEMPLE: Even as a Christian,
Paul still frequented the Temple. The Temple was, of course, the house of prayer
for ALL people: Isa 56:7 (cp point of v 21).
Act 22:19
Vv 19,20: As if Paul were saying, "But, Lord, surely they will
believe me... when they see the tremendous change in me personally!"
Act 22:21
Paul's reference to the Gentiles is the "last straw" to his
audience (v 22)!
Act 22:23
SHOUTING: Sw John 18:40; 19:6,12,15.
// Shimei toward David: 2Sa 16:13.
Act 22:25
Every NT ref shows centurions in a good light: Luk 7:1-10;
23:47; Act 10:1,2; 22:25,26; 23:17,18; 27:43.
STRETCHED HIM OUT TO FLOG HIM: Bound by hands and feet,
and stretched out, in preparation for flogging. Is this the same place where
Christ was scourged (John 19:1)?
Act 22:27
How could Paul substantiate his Roman citizenship? Did he
carry a passport? or a birth certificate? (Such documents were not uncommon in
these days.) Those who usurped the rights of citizenship were subject to
execution (Xd 121:286).