Acts 21.27 - 22:21

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4. Paul called his speech a “defense” (22:1; Greek: apologia). Summarize what he said to the Jews in 22:1-21. 
Mentioned his origin and education in Jerusalem
Mentioned his zeal for Judaism, even persecuting Christians to Damascus
The events of the Jerusalem road and his interaction with Ananias, a devout Jew who told him 'The God of our Fathers' had a plan for him
A miraculous encounter with God in the temple warning him about his danger from the Jews and commissioning him to go to the Gentiles 
 
5. How did Paul shape this speech to appeal to the Jews? Observe the details in 21:40–22:21.
He spoke in Hebrew
He mentioned his Jewish origins and upbringing in Jerusalem, his interaction with devout Jews
He mentioned the authority of the Jewish religious rulers 
HIs commisioning by the Jewish God
His reception of a message from God in the Temple
His surprise of being rejected by Jews and the sending away to Gentiles. 
 
6. Why did 22:21 make the Jews interrupt with rage? 
 The mention of Gentiles. This was the cause of their initial anger.
 
7. What might make people of your country react as in 22:22 to an evangelist? What aspects of the gospel seem offensive or unethical to your people? 
 Muslims would react to mention of the Koran or Muhammad not being the final prophet/revelation
Aspects of the gospel that affect lifestyles people have invested in (homosexuality, fornication).
Anything that threatens identity, tradition, exclusivity. 
  • Jeremiah’s hearers (Jeremiah 26:7–11) threatened judgment against the Temple
  • Jesus in Nazareth (Luke 4:24–29) told people they were not exclusive in God's plan
  • Pharisees and Jesus (John 8, Matthew 23) exposed their sin, appeared to be blaspheming by claiming divinity
  • Stephen’s Speech (Acts 7:51–58) exposing sin
  • Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:23–28)  threatening livelihood
 
8. Paul might have known that 22:21 would infuriate the Jews. Why do you think he risked his life to say 22:6-21, instead of just refuting the charge of defiling the temple?
For Thought and Discussion: In 22:1-21, why do you suppose Paul didn’t defend himself against the charge of defiling the temple (see 21:28)? What was the real issue at stake? 
 
 He had not preached in Jerusalem since his initial conversion in Acts 9. He still wanted to bring the gospel to his own people. He wanted to explain his calling to them. His priority was to be a faithful witness to God's work and commission in his life, not just to defend himself from harm.

He loved his fellow Jews and was willing to be damned for them (Rom 9-11)
 
He was willing to suffer for proclaiming the truth: that Israel was sinning by rejecting God's inclusion of Gentiles into His people.
 
Optional Application: For what three important things had God chosen Paul (see 22:14)? To what extent have you been chosen for these? How should you respond? 
  • to know his will, 
  • to see the Righteous One (3:14, 7:52, cf. Is 24:16, Is 53:11) and
  • to hear a voice from his mouth;  
= "for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard."

Likewise, we too should be asking the Lord what we are meant to be and do as an overarching goal in our lives. 
 

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