Bible Commentaries
Acts 22

Verses 1-30

Paul's defense as here recorded is a rare and perfect example of Christian argument. He was defending his devotion to work among the Gentiles. In that defense the last word he was permitted to utter was the word "Gentiles." Immediately the fury of the crowds burst out. In that moment of crisis Paul broke once and forever with the trammels of the Judaic system.

At this point we have a remarkable view of the condition of affairs in the church at Jerusalem. Quite evidently there were many who still observed all the forms and ceremonies of the Jewish ritual. They were attempting the policy of compromise.

In connection with the frenzy of the mob we have another case of Paul claiming his rights of earthly citizenship. Suffering for Christ's sake is a holy privilege, but no man has any right to court martyrdom in order to allow men to sin when a protest may prevent them. Paul gloried in the stigmata of Jesus, but he did not fail to prevent scourging when it was in his power legally to do so. Thus it is seen that meekness is not foolhardiness, and courage may express itself in preventing suffering as much as in enduring it.