Acts 22 reminds me of an iconic ad campaign that outlived the company. The tag line was, “When EF Hutton talks, people listen”. The concept was that this company’s advice was so esteemed that every investor in the country listened for a hot stock tip. Today’s lesson is about listening to understand. We begin with Paul addressing his Hebrew accusers while standing in Roman chains. Though fluent in many languages, Paul spoke in the local dialect of the Jerusalem Jew. He was one of them. The riotous crowd “became very quiet” as he began, “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense”. Before his conversion, Paul held a position of power, noting he was “thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today”. Paul personally attempted to destroy the early church, “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death”. I’m sure many nodded in agreement until he began to explain his moment of conversion. He described the event that changed his entire understanding. While traveling to kill more Christians, “suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute Me?’” Paul taught that conversion happens on a very personal level, recalling the words that brought him to his knees, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting”. Friend, do you have a conversion moment?
Paul continued to explain his transformation. He was led by the hand to Damascus where a devote observer of the Law prayed for him. “’Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him”. Ananias taught Paul about the once and for all sacrifice of Christ and led him to seeking forgiveness. “You will be His witness to all people of what you have seen and heard… Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His Name”. Paul returned to Jerusalem to study God’s Word with this new understanding. He recognized the depth of his own sin. Heartbroken by his efforts to “imprison and beat those who believe in You”. Paul confessed his sins to God, and he was given a new mission: “Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles”. This was the statement that reignited the crowd to call for Paul’s death. They were tolerant until Paul no longer spoke exactly as they believed.
The Crowd was enraged, “Then they raised their voices and shouted, ‘Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!’” Fearing a rebellion, “the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks… to be flogged and interrogated”. As the centurion prepared to strike, Paul asked, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” The commander was summoned immediately, knowing Paul’s rights had already been violated. The commander asked directly, “Are you a Roman citizen?” Paul had been plucked from the Temple and beaten earlier that day. He did not look important, but his unique qualifications made him perfect for God’s purposes. Paul replied, “Yes, I am. I was born a citizen”. The Roman commander quickly changed his attitude when he realized he had put “a Roman citizen in chains”. He had all of the bindings removed before clearing the room. “The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews”. Not knowing the Jewish laws or customs, he released Paul, “and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble”. This was the Jewish political parliament. He would have Paul “stand before them” to better understand the reason for their hatred. He did not realize that this was just a first step of God’s plan to allow Paul to proclaim Jesus all the way to the seat of power in Rome. My friend, are you angry? Here is a hot tip; you will never find peace with man until you find peace with God. That is found in the work of Christ on the cross.