Whether you’re new to studying the Bible or a seasoned scholar, the Bible Study Guide For Acts 22 will help you make the most of your time and resources. This guide is designed to help you understand the main points of the story of Paul’s arrest by the Sanhedrin, and what it means to you today.
ACTS 22:1-21 PAUL ADDRESSED THE MOB
During the time of Paul’s ministry in Jerusalem, he was under attack. The Roman Commander had given him permission to address the mob, but it didn’t work out as expected. The crowd’s response to Paul’s testimony was emotional. They didn’t think through his message. They thought they were defending Jewish heritage. They also believed Paul was blaspheming Jehovah. They were also prejudiced against Gentiles.
The mob’s response to Paul’s testimony was not only emotional, but it also showed how prejudiced they were. They had been taught that Gentiles were inferior to Jews. They were so prejudiced that they did not even understand what Paul was talking about. The mob cried out for Paul’s death when Paul mentioned Gentiles.
The mob’s reaction to Paul’s testimony in Acts 22:1-21 is an indication of how much prejudice they had against Gentiles. They were listening to Paul’s testimony with interest and intent, but their reaction didn’t match up with their intent. They didn’t know that Paul was actually giving a good testimony. They also didn’t know that he was actually speaking about the risen Jesus. They didn’t understand that Paul was speaking about a personal meeting with Jesus.
Paul’s testimony is the Lord’s work in his life. Paul saw people the way God saw them. He was able to speak about a heavenly vision because God gave him the revelation. He was able to speak about the risen Jesus because Jesus reached out to him.
ACTS 22:22-29 PAUL CLAIMED HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP
During Paul’s trial, the issue of citizenship is emphasized. The Romans will give Paul protection and allow him to defend himself to the Jewish people. The authorities take Paul’s word that he is a Roman citizen. However, Paul rarely mentions it in letters.
The issue of citizenship is also a theme in the book of Acts. In the first century, all freeborn residents of Rome were citizens. However, there was a period of time when the population was relegated to Hellenized Jews. The Romans did not want to enslave these people, and Paul’s family likely acquired citizenship by imperial decree.
During Paul’s trial, the Roman commander was terrified. He asked the centurion, “What is your citizenship? Do you belong to the Emperor?” Paul responded, “I was born a Roman.” The centurion believed that Paul bribed his way into citizenship.
The commander thought that rioting was wrong. He believed that Paul’s citizenship meant he was protected and was not subject to the flogging and torture that a citizen was usually subject to.
The commander decided to bring Paul into the barracks. He knew that he was on his way to being fired. He needed to secure his citizenship. In order to do this, he needed to raise a large amount of money.
ACTS 22:30 PAUL TAKEN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL
During his trip to Jerusalem, Paul was brought before the Sanhedrin council, the highest Jewish religious authority in the city. The council was hoping to legally put Paul to death.
The Sanhedrin’s trial of Paul did not go well. The council divided on the merits of Paul’s case.
The high priest, Ananias, ordered the crowd to strike Paul in the mouth. While the crowd was in a frenzied state, the commander arrived on the scene and ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks. The commander may have been trying to figure out whether Paul had committed any crimes. The commander did not know why the disorder had occurred. However, it may have been a distraction from catching the criminal.
A young Roman military officer arrived at the scene and tried to talk to the Sanhedrin. He realized that he could not control the Jews. He tried to flog Paul but was unsuccessful. He hoped that he could gather some information from Paul. The commander was eager to keep order.
Paul was tied to a pole and had his hands tied. The commander was in a hurry and decided to get Paul out of harm’s way. He was unaware of the charges against Paul, but he had to keep Paul from being torn to pieces.
