RSV ~ Acts 22 Notes

Acts 22:1-21 | ISB Notes

The first of four defense speeches delivered by Paul in Acts. Later he addresses the governor Felix (24:1021), the governor Festus (25:8), and King Agrippa II (26:123). Here, before the restless Jerusalem mob, Paul stresses his Jewish upbringing and his former antagonism toward Christianity, hoping to show that only a miracle like the Resurrection could have changed the course of his entire life and mission so drastically. In the end, the attentiveness of the crowd turns back to anger when Paul mentions his mission to the Gentiles (22:21-22).

Acts 22:3 | ISB Notes

I am a Jew: Paul tries to ease the tension with autobiographical details. Not only is he a son of Israel by birth, but he was raised in Jerusalem and educated in the orthodox traditions of Judaism under the renowned Gamali-el the Elder (Gal 1:14). See note on Acts 5:34.

Tarsus: A popular commercial and intellectual center in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). See note on Acts 9:30.

Acts 22:4 | ISB Notes

this Way: A code name for the early Christian movement. See note on Acts 9:2.

Acts 22:6-16 | ISB Notes

The first retelling of Paul’s Damascus road conversion since its occurrence in 9:1-19. The second comes later, in 26:12-18.

Acts 22:14 | ISB Notes

the Just One: Or, “the Righteous One”. It is also a title for Jesus in 3:14 and 7:52.

Acts 22:16 | ISB Notes

be baptized: Baptism signifies on the body what it accomplishes in the soul—the washing away of human sin. The visible water is coupled with the audible word of the minister, who calls upon the saving name of Christ (2:38; Eph 5:26).

Acts 22:17 | ISB Notes

returned to Jerusalem: After his nighttime escape from Damascus (9:23-26).

a trance: A mystical encounter with God. As with Peter’s experience in 10:10, the state of spiritual ecstasy can be a means for divine communication.

Acts 22:24 | ISB Notes

scourging: The Roman scourge was made of leather strips tipped with bone or metal fragments designed to tear open the skin. Flogging injuries could be crippling or even fatal.

Acts 22:25 | ISB Notes

Roman citizen: Citizenship could be purchased with money, inherited through the family, or conferred by the empire as a gift for outstanding service and patriotism. Among other things, Roman citizens were exempt from the scourge as a torturous means of examination. This civil privilege protected Paul from unreasonable punishment and guaranteed him a fair judicial inquiry.

Acts 22:30 | ISB Notes

all the council: The Sanhedrin, the supreme court of Judaism. .