Acts Chapter 22
Paul had a big heart for the people of Jerusalem and so he made one more attempt to reach them with the gospel knowing it might cost him his own life. Paul was granted permission by the Roman tribune that held him in chains, to speak to the people who had just tried to beat him to death. He spoke to them in Hebrew which piqued their interest, and they listened intently to what he had to say. And with that Paul gave his entire testimony of how it was he came to be a follower of Jesus of Nazareth.
Let's Reflect
1. Paul mentioned that he was born in Tarsus but was brought up in Jerusalem. He was educated at the feet of Gamaliel. Gamaliel was the most prominent rabbi of his day. He belonged to the Pharisaic minority on the Sanhedrin (the legal ruling body). Paul mentioned about how he was zealous for God. What did he do in his efforts to be a better Jew?
2. Why did Paul (called Saul at this earlier time of life) travel to Damascus?
3. On his way to Damascus there suddenly was a bright light shining down on him and then he heard a voice speaking to him. He questioned who the voice was. What answer did he hear? (Perhaps highlight that answer in your Bible as well as the words Ananias was instructed to give to Paul in verse 14 and meditate on this truth.)
4. The light had been so bright, Paul said it blinded him and he had to be led by the hand to get to Damascus. At Damascus a man named Ananias had been told by God to go and find Paul. What was Ananias to do for him once he found him?
5. In verse 16 what did Jesus call for Paul to do?
6. Paul then spoke about another time when the Lord Jesus spoke to him and told him to move. Where was Paul when he heard that instruction?
7. Paul admitted in front of this crowd of people that he had been responsible for the deaths of many followers of Christ. He even mentioned being responsible for the death of Stephen. What role did Paul say he played in the stoning of Stephen?
8. The people had been quietly listening to Paul up until the point he said what to them?
9. Suddenly the people were furious and were about to throw fists at Paul so the tribune took him away and decided they should punish Paul. What was the reason the Romans were going to flog Paul?
10. What did Paul say to the Romans that stopped them from flogging him?
11. The next day curiosity was getting the better of them and the Romans wanted to know why the Jews were so intent on killing Paul. What command did they give to get the answer?
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