Year of the Bible

Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 22:

After the Romans intervene to investigate the disturbance (21:30-38), Paul asks the military leaders if he can speak to the Jews in Hebrew (21:39-40).  Paul turns to his area of greatest expertise--his own personal story of encountering the Lord (including details in vs. 17-21 not previously shared). He describes how his religious zeal was transformed in Christ to a new mission that God had uniquely prepared him for.  The Jews listen to Paull’s speech until he proclaims this outreach to bring Gentiles into God’s Covenant People (vs. 21).  God’s desire to save all people, the inclusiveness of God’s plan is what brings Paul’s fellow Jews to condemn him (vs. 22). Step back and consider this moment--it is because Paul is a Roman citizen and Jew from the revival sect of the Pharisees, who studied the Scriptures intently, that he is able to gain an initial moment of trust with both groups. The Lord works in and through human beings, using each of our unique life circumstances.

The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 22:

1 “Brethren and fathers, hear the defense which I now make before you.”
2 And when they heard that he addressed them in the He­brew language, they were the more quiet. And he said:
3 “I am a Jew, born at Tar­sus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamali­el, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brethren, and I journeyed to Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jeru­salem to be punished.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

6 “As I made my journey and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are per­secuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And when I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 “And one Ananias, a de­vout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And in that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers ap­pointed you to know his will, to see the Just One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Paul Tells How He Was Sent to the Gentiles

17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get quickly out of Jerusalem, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was shed, I also was standing by and approving, and keeping the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Depart; for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

Paul and the Roman Tribune

22 Up to this word they lis­tened to him; then they lifted up their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he ought not to live.” 23 And as they cried out and waved their garments and threw dust into the air, 24 the tribune commanded him to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by scourging, to find out why they shouted thus against him. 25 But when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen, and uncon­demned?” 26 When the centurion heard that, he went to the tri­bune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune an­swered, “I bought this citizen­ship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” 29 So those who were about to exam­ine him withdrew from him in­stantly; and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

Paul before the Chief Priests and Council

30 But the next day, desiring to know the real reason why the Jews accused him, he unbound him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

*Daily Lectio Divina Question:

St. Paul gives public testimony of his conversion story, even admitting how he had formerly beaten and imprisoned Christians. For giving witness to his faith in Jesus, the crowds want him put to death. Am I willing to witness my faith, even when people may reject me?

Biblical Commentary provided by the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan. Join a Catholic Biblical School of Michigan class this September at Holy Family in Grand Blanc or online.

Revised Standard Version; Second Catholic Edition. (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2006).
Permission to use the RSV-2CE given for Bishop's Year of the Bible by Ignatius Press. Many thanks to Ignatius for this.
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