Paul’s Speech
Acts 22:1-21
The crowd became very quiet when they heard Paul speak in Aramaic. It caught them off guard because they didn’t know Paul was one of their very own. First, Paul identifies himself. Then he told in detail exactly how he persecuted the Christians before his conversion on the road to Damascus. In an orderly manner, he told everything that happened (Acts 21:4-21). Everything that Paul said, you have studied before in previous chapters.
The crowd listened attentively until Verse 21. Notice what Paul said for the crowd to say, “Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!” The crowd began shouting and throwing dust into the air. The commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks and put in chains. Just as they were about to flog him, Paul let the centurion know he was a Roman citizen who hadn’t been found guilty. When the commander found out Paul was a Roman citizen, this made a big difference.
Roman citizens had certain legal rights. They were exempt from cruel and degrading forms of punishment. They could be questioned but not beaten. In this case, the commander realized he violated Paul’s rights by having him beaten and ordered him to be put in chains in the barracks.
Questions
1. How did Paul describe himself in Acts 22:3?
2. What background information did he give from Acts 22:4-21.
3. Why did the crowd stop Paul from speaking and said, “Rid the earth of him! He is not fit to live!” in Acts 22:22?
4. What difference did it make that Paul was a Roman citizen?
Paul Ordered to Go to Trial
Acts 22:30
The commander wanted to find out exactly why the Jews accused Paul. So, he ordered all the chief priests and members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he ordered Paul and had him stand before them.
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