‏ Acts 22

* Paul's account of his conversion. (1-11) Paul directed to

preach to the Gentiles. (12-21) The rage of the Jews Paul pleads

that he is a Roman citizen. (22-30)

1-11 The apostle addressed the enraged multitude, in the

customary style of respect and good-will. Paul relates the

history of his early life very particularly; he notices that his

conversion was wholly the act of God. Condemned sinners are

struck blind by the power of darkness, and it is a lasting

blindness, like that of the unbelieving Jews. Convinced sinners

are struck blind as Paul was, not by darkness, but by light.

They are for a time brought to be at a loss within themselves,

but it is in order to their being enlightened. A simple relation

of the Lord's dealings with us, in bringing us, from opposing,

to profess and promote his gospel, when delivered in a right

spirit and manner, will sometimes make more impression that

laboured speeches, even though it amounts not to the full proof

of the truth, such as was shown in the change wrought in the

apostle. 12-21 The apostle goes on to relate how he was confirmed in the

change he had made. The Lord having chosen the sinner, that he

should know his will, he is humbled, enlightened, and brought to

the knowledge of Christ and his blessed gospel. Christ is here

called that Just One; for he is Jesus Christ the righteous.

Those whom God has chosen to know his will, must look to Jesus,

for by him God has made known his good-will to us. The great

gospel privilege, sealed to us by baptism, is the pardon of

sins. Be baptized, and wash away thy sins; that is, receive the

comfort of the pardon of thy sins in and through Jesus Christ,

and lay hold on his righteousness for that purpose; and receive

power against sin, for the mortifying of thy corruptions. Be

baptized, and rest not in the sign, but make sure of the thing

signified, the putting away of the filth of sin. The great

gospel duty, to which by our baptism we are bound, is, to seek

for the pardon of our sins in Christ's name, and in dependence

on him and his righteousness. God appoints his labourers their

day and their place, and it is fit they should follow his

appointment, though it may cross their own will. Providence

contrives better for us than we do for ourselves; we must refer

ourselves to God's guidance. If Christ send any one, his Spirit

shall go along with him, and give him to see the fruit of his

labours. But nothing can reconcile man's heart to the gospel,

except the special grace of God. 22-30 The Jews listened to Paul's account of his conversion,

but the mention of his being sent to the Gentiles, was so

contrary to all their national prejudices, that they would hear

no more. Their frantic conduct astonished the Roman officer, who

supposed that Paul must have committed some great crime. Paul

pleaded his privilege as a Roman citizen, by which he was

exempted from all trials and punishments which might force him

to confess himself guilty. The manner of his speaking plainly

shows what holy security and serenity of mind he enjoyed. As

Paul was a Jew, in low circumstances, the Roman officer

questioned how he obtained so valuable a distinction; but the

apostle told him he was free born. Let us value that freedom to

which all the children of God are born; which no sum of money,

however large, can purchase for those who remain unregenerate.

This at once put a stop to his trouble. Thus many are kept from

evil practices by the fear of man, who would not be held back

from them by the fear of God. The apostle asks, simply, Is it

lawful? He knew that the God whom he served would support him

under all sufferings for his name's sake. But if it were not

lawful, the apostle's religion directed him, if possible, to

avoid it. He never shrunk from a cross which his Divine Master

laid upon his onward road; and he never stept aside out of that

road to take one up.