The Book of Acts

Paul’s Speech to the Jewish Crowd

Acts 22:1-23 _NLT

“’Brothers and esteemed fathers,’ Paul said, ‘listen to me as I offer my defense.’ When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater.” _{(verses 1 & 2)}

            Paul’s speech recounts his religious training, his persecution of Christians, his conversion, and his call to take the gospel to the Gentiles. There are a few small additions to the account that hadn’t been told to us yet, specifically, Paul’s call to bring the gospel message to far away countries where the Gentiles were. The speech itself reveals that the gospel message is apolitical.       

            From Paul’s message it is quite clear that he had the highest level training in Jewish laws and customs, for he mentions the name of Gamaliel who was the most honored and well respected rabbi of the first century. 

            One trait in all of Paul’s speeches chronicled in the New Testament is the fact that he will always attempt to establish common ground with his audience before he launches into his full scale defense of Christianity. This way there is a good chance they will listen a little more intently and be more acceptant to what is being said. You could try this approach with those you are trying to reach with the gospel.

            Paul made a point of sharing that his current direction came not from being apostate, but thru heavenly revelation. The crowd was quiet until he said the Lord was sending him to 

speak to the Gentiles. That word alone set the crowd off. “Then they all began to shout, ‘Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!’ They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air.”

            I found this last statement about the dust interested so I looked a little deeper. In Matthew 10:14, “Jesus told the disciples to "shake off the dust" from their feet when leaving a town that refused to listen to their message about Him. Paul shook the dust from his garments in Corinth after the Jews rejected His teaching (Acts 18:6). By metaphorically shaking the dust off their cloaks, the mob is rejecting every bit of what Paul is saying and represents.” ^[1]

            Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament

[1] https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/22/Acts-22-23.html