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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:
PAUL RELATES HIS EXPERIENCES

[“A Great Light Flashed Around Me!”]
Key word: Roman

Acts 22:1-5 – Paul Relates His Original Opposition

AC22:1 “Men! Brothers! Fathers! All of you listen to what I have to say in my defense!” AC22:2 (Now when they heard that he was speaking to them in Hebrew, there was a complete hush.) Then he said: AC22:3 “For a certainty I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but raised in this city 983 [Jerusalem] at the feet of Gamaliel. 984 I was taught according to the strictest manner of the paternal Law, 985 a zealot for The God, 986 just like all of you here today.

983	Raised in this city: Or, educated, brought up, nurtured.

984	At the feet of Gamaliel: See notes on Acts 5:34.

985	Strictest manner of the paternal Law: Or, PME: I was schooled in the strictest observance of our fathers’ law. Compare Acts 26:5 and Philippians 3:5.

986	A zealot for The God: Or, TCN: zealous in God’s service; NEB: I have always been around in God’s service; RIE: I was full of religious fervour.

AC22:4 Now I used to persecute this Way, even to death, arresting and putting in prison bonds both men and women. AC22:5 In this matter the high priest can testify – as well as the body of [Jewish] elders 987 – from whom I also receive letters to the [Jewish] brothers. Off I went to Damascus to bring these [disciples] in chains to Jerusalem for punishment.”

987	Body of [Jewish] elders: Or, eldership, council of elders. Christian congregations also had bodies of elders. [1 Timothy 4:14]

Acts 22:6-11 – “I Am Jesus, the Nazarene”

AC22:6 “Now as I was on my journey something happened about noon 988 just as I drew close to Damascus. Suddenly there was a blaze of light from the sky that shown all around me!

988	Something happened about noon: Compare Acts 9:3 and Acts 26:13.

AC22:7 I was knocked to the ground and then I heard a voice speaking to me: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ AC22:8 And I answered: ‘Who are you, sir?’ And the Voice said to me: ‘I am Jesus, the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting!’ AC22:9 Now those who were with me certainly saw the light and were frightened though they did not hear the Voice of the One who spoke to me. AC22:10 Then I said: ‘What must I do, Master?’ And the Master answered: ‘Arise and go into Damascus and there you will be told what to do.’ AC22:11 Now because of that glorious Light I could not see and was led by the hand by those who were with me as we came into Damascus.”

Acts 22:12-16 – His Conversion and Baptism

AC22:12 “Now [in Damascus] there was a certain man, Ananias, who observed the Law 989 and had a good report among all the Jews who dwelled there.

989	Who observed the Law: Paul does not mention he was a Christian.

AC22:13 He approached me, and standing before me, he said: ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And right then I was able to see him. AC22:14 Then he said to me: ‘The God of our forefathers has chosen you in order for you to know His will and see the Righteous One 990 and hear his voice.

990	See the Righteous One: Or, the glorified Christ.

AC22:15 For you shall be his witness to all persons about what you have seen or heard. AC22:16 Now why delay? Rise and get baptized to wash away your sins 991 by calling on his name.’”

991	Wash away your sins: Compare notes on Acts 3:19; 10:43. [1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 1:7.]

Acts 22:17-21 – Saw and Heard the Nazarene

AC22:17 “Now later it happened that when I was again in Jerusalem, 992 while I prayed in the temple courtyard, 993 I fell into a trance. 994

992	When I was again in Jerusalem: Probably three years later. [Galatians 1:18]

993	Temple courtyard: Probably the Courtyard of Israel where only men gathered.

994	Trance: The Greek is ECSTASEI. Compare Acts 10:10.

AC22:18 I saw him again and he said to me: ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 995

995	For they will not accept your testimony about me: Though James has stated thousands of Jews had become believers, the Risen Lord declares that in general the Jews will reject him as Messiah.

AC22:19 So I said, ‘Master, they are well aware that I put those who believed in you in prison and beat them in every synagogue. AC22:20 Also, when the blood of your witness Stephen was being poured out, I stood by approving his death and guarding the clothing of those who stoned him.’ AC22:21 And he told me: ‘Leave now! For I will send you far off to the non-Jews.’”

Acts 22:22-28 – Paul’s Use of Roman Citizenship

AC22:22 Now up to this statement the crowd had listened, but then they all raised their voices and shouted: “Remove such a person from the earth! He does not deserve to live!” AC22:23 As they were screaming they ripped their clothing and threw dust into the air. AC22:24 As a result, the military tribune commanded Paul be brought into the soldiers’ barracks and told them to examine him by scourging 996 so that he might find out why the mob made such an outcry against Paul.

996	Scourging: Or, under the lash, flogging, whipping. Under the flagellum it was expected the tortured would answer any questions to stop the pain.

AC22:25 Then as they were binding Paul with straps, he said to the centurion standing by: “It is legal for you to scourge an innocent Roman 997 citizen?”

997	Scourge an innocent Roman: Or, uncondemned, unconvicted, untried, not been found guilt, has not been sentenced. As early as 500 BC it was against the law to scourge a Roman citizen without a proper trial.

AC22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the military tribune, saying: “You better be careful what you are about to do! He is a Roman citizen!” AC22:27 Then the military tribune came and asked Paul: “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” Paul answered: “Yes.” AC22:28 So the military tribune 998 responded: “I acquired [Roman] citizenship for a great sum of money!” But, Paul responded: “I was free-born [as a Roman citizen].”

998	Military tribune: Named Claudius Lysias at Acts 23:26.

Acts 22:29-30 – Before Romans and Jews

AC22:29 Then instantly the soldiers who were about to examine Paul drew back. Also the military tribune became frightened once he learned that Paul was a Roman citizen, because he was the one who put him in chains. AC22:30 The next day, because the military tribune wanted to discover the reason Paul was accused by the Jews, he removed his chains and commanded the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin to appear. Then he brought Paul down and placed him before them.

Review Questions on Chapter Twenty-two