In Acts 22, we encounter Paul, once known as Saul, sharing his testimony with the people in Jerusalem. Paul, addressing the crowd in Hebrew, recounts his past as a persecutor of Christians and his dramatic conversion to Christianity. This chapter reflects the tension between Paul’s newfound faith and the resistance from the people he once aligned with.
Paul was born in Tarsus and educated under Gamaliel, a highly respected rabbi. His life before conversion was defined by his zeal for persecuting Christians, whom he believed were straying from the Jewish law. As Paul relayed to the crowd, he actively sought to imprison followers of “the Way” and even played a part in the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
However, Paul’s life took a dramatic turn during his journey to Damascus. He encountered a bright light and heard the voice of Jesus asking, “Why are you persecuting me?” This moment transformed Paul. He became blind and was led into Damascus, where a disciple named Ananias restored his sight. From that moment, Paul dedicated his life to spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s message, however, wasn’t received well. As he spoke of his mission to the Gentiles, the crowd erupted in anger. The people rejected his message and demanded his death. Despite the hostility, Paul stood firm, confident in his calling. When the Roman soldiers prepared to flog him, he revealed his Roman citizenship, which protected him from unlawful punishment. This moment of legal defense highlights Paul’s wisdom and boldness.
This chapter emphasizes not only Paul’s unwavering faith but also the importance of sharing one’s testimony. Despite the resistance, Paul believed in the power of his message. His story shows that even when met with rejection, standing firm in one’s faith can plant seeds that may grow later.
