ACC ~ Acts 22 v12 - 16

OVERVIEW:

Again, with sensitivity to Luke’s narrative intentions, the moderns note the more abundant description of Ananias as law-abiding and well respected. They also point to the Old Testament phrases in Ananias’s words to Paul, “the God of our fathers,” “to see the Just One” (a designation of the awaited descendant of David in Jer 23:5-6; 33:15), “calling on his name.” Also one may observe the clarity of Paul’s commission and the description of baptism. Chrysostom’s concerns are evidentiary, ethical and doctrinal. He notes how Paul’s defense is plausible and how his description of baptism affirms the divinity of Jesus. Yet, while the strength of Paul’s argument lies in his ability to call forth so many witnesses, for Chrysostom, as for Origen above (Acts 22:8), the primary witness to the truth of the gospel is not the demonstration of the trustworthiness of Paul but rather the integral connection between professed belief fulfilled in action.

22:15 | A Witness to All People

OUR WITNESS IS TRUSTWORTHY IF WE LIVE ACCORDINGLY. CHRYSOSTOM: For [Paul] truly became a witness to [Jesus], and a witness as one should be, both by what he did and by what he said. We too must be such witnesses and not betray what we have been entrusted. I speak not only of doctrines, but also of our way of life. Look, what he knew, what he heard, he bore witness to this before all, and nothing hindered him. We too have heard that there is a resurrection and ten thousand good things; therefore, we ought to bear witness to this before all. “We do in fact bear witness,” you say, “and believe.” How, since we do the opposite? Tell me, if someone should say he was a Christian but should then apostatize and act like a Jew, would his testimony be sufficient? No, not at all; for people would look for testimony through his actions. Likewise, if we say that that there is a resurrection and ten thousand good things but then look down upon them and prefer the things here, who will believe us? For all people pay attention not to what we say but to what we do. “You will be a witness,” [Christ] says, “to all.” That is, not only to the friends, but also to the unbelievers. For this is what witnesses are for: they persuade not those who know but those who do not. Let us become trustworthy witnesses. How will we become trustworthy? By the life we lead. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 47.

22:16 | Calling on Jesus’ Name

THIS SHOWS CHRIST’S DIVINITY. CHRYSOSTOM: What he uttered here is important. For he did not say “baptized in his name” but “calling on the name of Christ.” It shows that he is God; for it is not lawful to “call on” anyone else except God. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 47.