Acts 22:1-21
Today’s reading is now the third account that we have of Paul’s conversion. The first account takes up most of Acts 9. Paul also recounts his conversion in Galatians 1:13-17. The same exact details are not mentioned in all three accounts, so it is difficult to work completely through his conversion, but it seems that he spent some time in Damascus after his conversion preaching in the synagogues until he escaped from the city after the Jews sought to kill him. Then he spent three years in Arabia before returning to Damascus and finally then coming to Jerusalem – noted today in verse 17. So in Paul’s telling the story in today’s reading there is a major gap between verses 16 and 17: (Paul’s quoting Ananias in v. 16) And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name. (Paul’s continuing with his story in v. 17) When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance… We can only wonder as to why Paul left out that 3+ year gap. My sense is that Paul felt that his Damascus/Arabia activities were not relevant to this Jerusalem audience.
If I may add one more verse to today’s reading, the one immediately following: Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” (v. 22) It’s confusing to me also why the Jews listened to Paul “Up to this word…”. Maybe “this word” goes back to verse 17, Paul’s claim of a trance and a conversation with the Lord. Maybe the Jews were effectively charging him with blasphemy for this claim? That’s my best guess…!
Slava Bohu!
Good morning Fred and all. I read it that the word that turned the crowd around was that Paul was to go to the Gentiles, v. 21.
What I read this time in Paul’s witness was that Jesus spoke directly to him. Of course, God used a blinding light to finally get his attention. How many times do we miss hearing what God is saying to us because we believe we are on a mission, even a mission for God? There is a fine line between focused and bullheaded, and only by spending time quietly listening do we see that line. God does the unexpected!