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A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 22
Robertson - But "this word" was like a spark in a powder magazine or a torch to an oil tank. The explosion of pent-up indignation broke out instantly worse than at first (Acts 21:30). And then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth - They spoke loudly and cried out. The Jews begin calling for Paul's life, reminiscent of the angry words of their forefathers (and possibly even some the present mob were there) when "they cried out, “Away with Him (JESUS), away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate *said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” (Jn 19:15). "Anyone who dared place Gentiles on an equal footing with Jews in God's saving purpose should not be allowed to pollute the earth with his presence." (MacArthur) Away (present imperative) (142)(airo) which is the same cry as in Acts 21:36+, but this time adding from the earth, clearly a cry to kill him. This is reiterated by the following phrase (not be allowed to live). They were serious and wanted his blood! For (gar) is a term of explanation, in this case explaining why he should be removed from the earth. He should not be allowed to live! (zao) - NLT = "He isn't fit to live!" This would be a somewhat euphemistic way of saying "kill him!" Allowed (2520)(katheko from katá = down, according or together with + heko = to come) literally means to come down and then to be convenient, to be fitting or right. It means to be appropriate. In the negative use (as in this verse) katheko refers to “what is unfitting or improper” and was a technical word used by the Stoic philosophers. They are saying that Paul is "offensive even to natural human judgment." Robertson adds "The imperfect tense) is a neat Greek idiom for impatience about an obligation: It was not fitting, he ought to have been put to death long ago. The obligation is conceived as not lived up to." LIFE APPLICATION AUTHENTICITY Paul demonstrated great candor and courage in sharing his conversion story. He could have hit lightly on controversial points or mumbled his way past them. But he didn't. Convinced of the truth of the message of grace that Christ had given, he spelled it out clearly. It is tempting in conversations with unbelieving friends or neighbors to gloss over our faith. And how wrong! Sometimes a simple sentence or two about "how God helped me during the grief process," "how prayer transformed my marriage," or "the comfort I found in a Bible promise" can be just the tool to open up a spiritual conversation. Ask God for opportunities this week to speak an honest word of testimony that he can use to bring forth new life. (Life Application Bible Commentary – Acts) ILLUSTRATION - In June 1987 London held its collective breath. While working on a building site, a construction foreman thought his workers had hit a cast iron pipe while using a pile driver. After picking up and then dropping the huge object, they realized the pipe strangely resembled a bomb. It was—a 2,200 pound WW II bomb, one of the largest the Germans dropped during the blitz which killed more than 15,000 people in London. After evacuating the area, a ten-man bomb disposal unit worked eighteen hours before finally deactivating the seven-foot device. Hatred is like an unexploded bomb. Unless it is deactivated it can detonate and cause great damage. The Jews hatred and anger toward Paul was detonated at the word “Gentiles.” (Jack Andrews) Acts 22:23 And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, KJV Acts 22:23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, throwing off their cloak Acts 7:53; 26:11; Eccl 10:3 Watch Video of Jewish reaction and Paul taken into barracks Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE CROWD GOES WILD And as they were crying out - Shouting (continually - present tense) is kraugazo (from krazo = clamor or cry = a word like "croak" ~ suggests a rough and guttural sound = croaking of ravens) depicts the mob clamoring, even screaming. It was a verb used of a dog's barking, a raven's squawking or a drunk's bawling. They were "drunk" with (filled with - controlled by) anger! Alexander
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Robertson adds that "the way" "is a Jewish definition of life as in Isaiah 40:3 “the way of the Lord"....The North American Indians call Christianity the Jesus Road." NET Note - The expression “the way” in ancient religious literature refers at times to “the whole way of life from a moral and spiritual viewpoint” (BDAG 692 s.v. hodos 3.c), and it has been so used of Christianity and its teachings in the book of Acts (see also Acts 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). It is a variation of Judaism’s idea of two ways, the true and the false, where “the Way” is the true one (1 Enoch 91:18 = "And now I tell you, my children, and I show you the paths of righteousness and the paths of violence"; 2 En. 30:13 = "showed him the two ways, the light and the darkness"). Related Resource: What is “the Way” in the Bible? Death (2288)(thanatos) is a permanent cessation of all vital functions and thus is the end of life on earth (as we know it). The separation of the soul from the body and the end of earthly life. Spiritual death is separation from the life of God forever by dying without being born again. The first use in the Septuagint is in a well known promise from God "you shall surely die (Lxx = thanatos apothnesko).” (Ge 2:17) followed by the second use in the deceptive lie by Satan “You surely shall not die (thanatos apothnesko)!" (Ge 3:4+) Death is natural to humanity as part of the created world. Death is a result of Adam’s sin (Ro 5:12+). Death is universal - no one can escape it. Binding and putting both men and women into prisons - In Acts 8:3+ Luke records that "Saul began ravaging (lumainomai in the imperfect tense giving a perfect picture of Saul devastating one house, then another, wreaking havoc again and again) the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison." Binding (1195)(desmeuo from desmos = bond, chain; deo = to bind) to tie or bind as with cords, to shackle, to enchain, put in fetters. There are only 3 uses - Mt 23:4, Lk 8:29, Acts 22:4. Jesus used it to describe men (the Pharisees) who "tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger." (Mt 23:4) In Luke 8:29+ desmeuo describes the demon possessed man who was "bound with chains and shackles" (which he would break = superhuman strength!). In classical times desmeuō spoke of a ship loaded down with heavy contents. Desmeuo is used figuratively of God's Spirit applying His supernatural balm to our souls and spirits in Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds (desmeuo in present tense) up their wounds." Spurgeon on Ps 147:3 - This the Holy Spirit mentions as a part of the glory of God, and a reason for our declaring His praise: the Lord is not only a Builder, but a Healer; He restores broken hearts as well as broken walls. The kings of the earth think to be great through their loftiness; but Jehovah becomes really so by His condescension. Behold, the Most High has to do with the sick and the sorry, with the wretched and the wounded! He walks the hospitals as the good Physician! His deep sympathy with mourners is a special mark of his goodness. Few will associate with the despondent, but Jehovah chooses their company, and abides with them till He has healed them by His comforts. He deigns to handle and heal broken hearts: He Himself lays on the ointment of grace, and the soft bandages of love, and thus binds up the bleeding wounds of those convinced of sin. This is compassion like a God. Well may those praise Him to whom He has acted o gracious a part. The Lord is always healing and binding: this is no new work to Him, He has done it of old; and it is not a thing of the past of which He is now weary, for He is still healing and still binding, as the original hath it. Come, broken hearts, come to the Physician who never fails to heal: Uncover your wounds to Him Who so tenderly binds them up! NIDNTT - The root desm-conveys the basic meaning of bind. desmeuō means to bind together, chain up (Eur. onwards). desmē is a bundle tied together (Dem. onwards). desmios means one who is in chains or in prison (tragedians onwards). desmos at first meant chain (Homer onwards), and later imprisonment, custody. desmōtērion is a prison (Hdt. onwards), desmōtēs a prisoner (Aesch. onwards) and desmophylax a prison warder (Lucian). OT desmos is the most frequently used of these words in the LXX; it usually translates forms of ’āsar, to bind, and the cognate môsēr, bonds. Desmeuo in the Septuagint - Ge 37:7 ("we were binding sheaves in the field") ; Gen. 49:11 ("ties his foal"); Jdg. 16:11 (of Samson - "“If they bind me tightly with new ropes"); 1 Sa 24:11; Job 26:8 ("He wraps up the waters in His cloud"); Ps. 147:3 ("binds up their wounds. "); Amos 2:8; Paul Apple's applications of persecution Persecution is inevitable for the godly; don’t be surprised by it; Prepare! Persecution accomplishes God’s overall goals for the health and growth of His church - We can fortify ourselves by studying the grace that God provided to His servants who gave the ultimate sacrifice down through church history We should have solidarity and prayer support for our brothers and sisters who are under direct attack We should be confident in our ultimate victory as we focus on the vision of heavenly glory and the Advocacy on our behalf by the Righteous One Acts 22:5 as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. KJV Acts 22:5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. the high priest Acts 9:1,2,14; Acts 26:10,12 and all the Council of the elders can testify Acts 4:5; 5:21; Luke 22:66 I also received letters to the brethren Acts 22:1; Ro 9:3,4 See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry (Do not copy - copyrighted by Holman) Watch video of Paul's arrest and speech before the crowd Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JEWISH LEADERS CAN ATTEST TO PAUL'S ZEAL As also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify (martureo - give a witness) - The Council of the elders is one word presbuterion which is another name for the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court in Jerusalem. One has to wonder if some of these elders were still alive, for the events of Acts 8 had occurred only about 20-23 years earlier (about 35 AD)? From them I also received letters to the brethren - This explains how the Jewish religious leaders had first-hand knowledge of Saul's/Paul's zeal. It is fascinating that Saul's action illustrates the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," because here we see Saul, a Pharisee, asking for letters from a Sadducee (probably Caiaphas)! Stated another way, their common hatred of Jesus made them "strange bedfellows!" Acts 9:1-2, 14+ Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (9:14) and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” In Acts 26:12+ Paul adds “While so engaged (I kept pursuing [dioko] them even to foreign cities - Acts 26:11) as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority (exousia = the right and the might) and commission of the chief priests, I...received (1209) (dechomai = middle voice of a primary verb) means to to receive something offered or transmitted by another (Luke 2:28). To take something into one's hand and so to grasp (Luke 2:28, 22:17). To be receptive to someone (Mt 10:14, 40). In this context Paul (then Saul) favorably received these letters, even welcoming these letters authorizing him to capture and imprison any believers he could catch! A T Robertson on the need for letters - Julius Ceasar and Augustus had granted the high priest and Sanhedrin jurisdiction over Jews in foreign cities, but this central ecclesiastical authority was not always recognized in every local community outside of Judea. Paul says that he received his authority to go to Damascus from the (chief) priests (Acts 26:10) and “all the Council of the elders (presbuterion - another name for the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court in Jerusalem)” (Acts 22:5). Steven Ger adds this note on letters -- "A treaty had been established between Rome and Judea in the intertestamental period which effectively extended the high priest's authority in Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire (1 Macc. 15:20-24), including the right of extradition....The letters from the high priest gave Saul jurisdiction over the Jews of Damascus and authority to arrest the Christian "heretics," both men and women alike, and transfer them back to Jerusalem for interrogation and trial. (Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series – The Book of Acts: Witnesses to the World) And started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished - He was not hit and miss in his persecution—Paul was the hitman from hell, so to speak (surely the devil was overjoyed at his punishing disciples of Jesus!). Punished (5097)(timoreo from timoros = watching one's honor - Vine has different derivation) according to W E Vine is "primarily, to help, then, to avenge (from timē, value, honour, and ouros, a guardian)." To the early Greeks this word could mean “to help,” to redress an injury, or to avenge or punish a wrong. Robertson adds "originally to render help, to succor, then to avenge (for honour)." The idea is that those punished would be suffering what they deserve. To take vengeance upon or to avenge and implies that a person is receiving the just consequences for misdeeds. It means to punish (inflict a penalty) in the present context of procuring a legal sanction against those who violate the law. In Classical Greek, this word group (verb timoreo and noun timoria) conveyed the idea of punishment was deeply colored by vindictiveness and was a punishment meant to satisfy a sense of outraged justice, the defense one’s honor or that of a violated law. Liddell-Scott has a lengthy entry - also used in medical sense: (timwro,j):-to help, aid, succour, tini, Hdt., Soph., etc.:-absol. to lend aid, give succour, Hdt. II. to assist one who has suffered wrong, to avenge him, c. dat., Id.:-so in Med., Soph., Eur.:-in full construction the person avenged is in dat., the person on whom vengeance is taken in acc., and the crime avenged in gen. to avenge him on the murderer for [the murder of] his son, Xen.:-also, c. acc. to avenge his slaughter, Plat.:-Pass. to be visited with vengeance, Id., etc.; impersonal -- vengeance has been taken for him, he has been avenged, Hdt. 2. to take vengeance on him, Soph.:-in Med. to exact vengeance from, visit with punishment, Hdt., Att.; Self-tormentor, name of a play by Menander:-c. gen. to take vengeance on one for a thing, Hdt., Att.:-so, also, will visit thy sister's blood on thee, Eur. 3. in Med. also absol. to avenge oneself, seek vengeance, Hdt., Xen., etc.;the probability of vengeance, Dem.; thou wilt have vengeance taken in respect to Leonidas, Hdt. Timoreo - Acts 22:5, Acts 26:11 and in Septuagint in Jdg. 5:14; Prov. 22:3; Ezek. 5:17; Ezek. 14:15; Acts 22:6 "But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, KJV Acts 22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. it happened that as I was on my way Acts 9:3-5; Acts 26:12 Damascus Ge 14:15; 15:2; 2 Sa 8:6 about noontime Acts 26:13; Isa 24:23; Mt 17:2; Rev 1:16 See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry (Do not copy - copyrighted by Holman) Watch video of Paul's arrest and speech before the crowd Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries REVELATION ON THE ROAD: THE SON SHONE FORTH Parallel Passages: As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting, (Acts 9:3-5+) “While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. (Acts 26:12-13+) But it happened - God is sovereign, so in truth nothing that occurs in our life just "happens to happen!" God is in control (See Providence of God). That as I was on my way approaching Damascus - Notice the wordplay - On his way after "The Way!" Approaching (present tense)(eggizo) means he was coming close to Damascus. How close? We cannot say, but given the fact that he was soon to be blinded one would reason that he was within less than a day's journey. Saul was near his journey's end in more ways than one! BACKGROUND - Jerusalem to Damascus is about 150-175 miles and at 30 miles a day they must have been on the road for 5-6 days (since at this time Saul was near Damascus). Notice also that by this time (we don't know how long after the persecution of Acts 8:1), the Gospel had spread to Syria, probably having been carried there by the believers who fled the persecution of Jerusalem. And since Damascus was a major city and on the renowned King's Highway, it would have been a strategic center from which those believing Jews who had fled Jerusalem could have spread the Gospel. And somehow Saul got wind of these disciples of Jesus in Damascus and sought to eradicate what he considered to be a pernicious "contagion" which could conceivably corrupt the purity of Judaism. As an aside, assuming Saul went straight north, he would have gone through Samaria, where he would have encountered Samaritans radically transformed by the Gospel preached by the Hellenistic Jew Philip the evangelist and this would have undoubtedly stirred his rage against Christians even more! Damascus lays claim to being the oldest continually inhabited city in the world (see history), Biblical records going back to the time of Abram (Ge 14:15, 15:2) For more on Damascus click note. About noontime ("at midday" Acts 26:13+), a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me - Why this detail about noontime? Clearly this is when the sun is brightest and yet the Son shined (a very bright light) even brighter than the sun (in Acts 26:13+) He had created! Woe! I fear we do not understand the awesome majestic radiance of our King Who will one day (soon) "return with power and great glory!" (Mt 24:30+) O, why do we continue to sin against such a Glorious One! John Calvin thought that Christ appeared to Paul in a flash of lightning or a thunderbolt, but that seems very unlikely. Lightning is but for a second, and in this case there had to be enough time for words to come from the flash of light. Suddenly (1810)(exaiphnes from ek = of + aíphnes = suddenly) means happening unexpectedly, quickly without warning, at once. Referring to the unexpected nature of Christ's Second Coming (Mk 13:36). In Lk 2:13+ of sudden appearance to the shepherds in the field of an angel and "a multitude of the heavenly host praising God." Luke describes the sudden appearance of that "a light (the radiant Redeemer!) from heaven flashed around" Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:3+). Flashed (4015)(periastrapto from peri = about, around + astrapto - to shine like lightning) means to shine very brightly around an object, in this case the object being the man Saul (only used here and in the conversion story in Acts 9:3+). Luke uses a different verb in the third version of Paul's testimony -- "shining all around" in Acts 26:13+ is the verb perilampo (peri = around + lampo = to shine) means literally to shine all around and is used in Lk 2:9+ when an angel of the Lord stood before the shepherds "and the glory of the Lord shone around them." Matthew Henry on very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me - It shone round about him, not in his face only, but on every side of him let him turn which way he will, he finds himself surrounded with the discoveries of it. And this was designed not only to startle him, and awaken his attention (for well may he expect to hear when he is thus made to see something very extraordinary), but to signify the enlightening of his understanding with the knowledge of Christ. The devil comes to the soul in darkness by this he gets and keeps possession of it. But Christ comes to the soul in light, for He is Himself the light of the world (Jn 8:12), bright and glorious to us, as light. The first thing in this new creation, as in that of the world, is light, 2 Corinthians 4:6+ ("For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."). Hence all Christians are said to be children of the light and of the day, Ephesians 5:8+, 1 Th 5:8+. Compare Stephen's experience as he was being stoned in Acts 7:55+ "being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Saul was spiritual blind until the Spirit opened the eyes of his heart to see Jesus. Later he would write... And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4+) Saul met the Savior and went from physical light to physical darkness and from spiritual darkness to spiritual light! He went from being the hit-man from hell to being the holy man from heaven. God had opened the eyes of his heart and shut the eyes in his head! Are the temporary trinkets of this passing world blinding the eyes of your heart to see Jesus high and lifted up? Jesus said "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." (Mt 6:24+) Confess that you have not daily been fixing the eyes of your heart on Jesus and then pray this chorus... Open the eyes of my heart Lord. Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You, I want to see You. To see You high and lifted up Shining in the light of Your glory. Pour our Your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy. What was this light? In the Old Testament we see light, the Shekinah glory, that guided Israel through their wilderness journey, Moses recording that "The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night." (Ex 13:21, cf Ex 40:38, Nu 9:15-23) While we cannot be absolutely certain, it is reasonable to suggest that the light from heaven that was about to guide Saul was similar to the Shekinah glory cloud that led Israel in the OT. Here the Shekinah glory will guide Saul lost in the "wilderness" of dead Judaism and into the way of salvation. Ultimately this light from heaven was an emanation from the resurrected and glorified Christ. At the Transfiguration, the face of Jesus "shone like the sun." (Mt 17:2) In the Revelation, the apostle John describes the glorified Christ declaring that "His face was like the sun shining in its strength." (Rev 1:16+) Horton has an interesting comment on the glory of this light...from heaven - When Jesus rose from the dead, His resurrection body was transformed—it was immortal and incorruptible, as ours will be (1 Cor. 15:52-53). But the glory was not restored until after He ascended. Probably the disciples could not have stood the glory during the forty days Jesus remained on earth with them. But now He came to Saul as the risen and glorified Christ. (Acts: A Logion Press Commentary) Related Resources: What is the Shekinah glory? What is a glory cloud? Is a glory cloud biblical? Glory of God Acts 22:7 and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' KJV Acts 22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Saul Ge 3:9; 16:8; 22:1,11; Ex 3:4; 1 Sa 3:10 why Isa 43:22-26; Jer 2:5,9; Mt 25:45; 27:23; 1 Ti 1:13 See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry (Do not copy - copyrighted by Holman) Watch video of Paul's arrest and speech before the crowd Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL PERSECUTING THE SAVIOR Parallel Passages: And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4) And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” (Acts 26:14) And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me - Saul, Saul - While Luke uses the Greek name (Saulos), here Jesus repeats his name in the Hebrew dialect which is Saoul (07586). Repetition speaks of intensity. The idea is "Listen up!" It is an "attention getter!" Repetition of one's name was often associated with a warning or other important instruction (Abraham, Abraham - Ge 22:11, Jacob, Jacob - Ge 46:2, Moses, Moses - Ex 3:4, Martha, Martha - Lk 10:41+; Jerusalem, Jerusalem - Lk 13:34+, Simon, Simon - Lk 22:31+). This repetition of Saul's name also recalls God's attempt to get the attention of young Samuel (who had not yet learned to recognize the voice of the Lord) when "the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Sa 3:10) Does the Lord have to repeat your (my) name in order to gain our attention? Saul (4549)(Saoul) is transliterated from the Hebrew Shaʾūl (07586). This Hebrew name corresponds to the Greek rendering of the same name which is Saulos (4569)(See above). It means asked, desired. This Hebrew form of Saul is used by Jesus in all three versions of Paul's encounter - Acts 22:7; Acts 26:14. It is used once for King Saul of the Old Testament (Acts 13:21). The use of this Hebrew version indicates that Jesus was speaking in Hebrew to Saul (cf Acts 26:14). Saoul is used 6x all in Acts - Acts 9:4; Acts 9:17; Acts 13:21; Acts 22:7; Acts 22:13; Acts 26:14 Messianic Jewish commentator Steven Ger helps us understand what Luke used this Hebrew version of the name Saul rather than the Greek version - That the voice spoke Hebrew (or less likely, Aramaic) is made apparent through the change of Saul's name in form from the usual Greek Saulos, (used Acts 9:1) to the transliteration of the Hebrew, Saoul (there is no way to transliterate the "sh" sound of the actual pronunciation of Shaoul in Greek). This particular detail of the Hebrew pronunciation of Saul's name is repeated in the two later accounts of this encounter (Acts 22:7; 26:14). (Restraint will be exercised concerning any claim that this passage furnishes proof that God's lingua franca is Hebrew!) If the light had not already gotten Saul's attention, the Lord ensures it by calling Saul's name twice, following a previous pattern of heavenly address found throughout Scripture (Gen. 22:11; Ge 46:2; Ex. 3:4; 1 Sam. 3:10). (Twenty-First Century Commentary-Acts) Note that only Acts 26:14 records that Jesus spoke with the Hebrew dialect, and declared "It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Matthew Henry on kick against the goads - "To spurn at the spur." It is hard, it is in itself an absurd and evil thing, and will be of fatal consequence to him that does it. Those kick at the goad that stifle and smother the convictions of conscience, that rebel against God's truths and laws, that quarrel with his providences, and that persecute and oppose his ministers, because they reprove them, and their words are as goads and as nails. Those that revolt more and more when they are stricken by the word or rod of God, that are enraged at reproofs and fly in the face of their reprovers, kick against the pricks and will have a great deal to answer for. PERSECUTING THE CHURCH IS PERSECUTING JESUS! Why are you persecuting Me? - Jesus directs his accusation directly at Saul, not at the high priests, etc. As noted in the title, to persecute the Church, the Body of Christ, is tantamount to persecuting Christ, the Head of the Body. Believers are in covenant (new covenant) with Jesus, and as such are one with Him and identified with Him. Furthermore, because of this covenant, Jesus is our "Covenant Defender." And because of the New Covenant in His blood, Jesus is obligated to defend those in covenant with Him. ONENESS OF COVENANT - Two become one when they enter into covenant (cf marriage covenant - Ge 2:24). If you "touch" (eg, to harm or injure) the covenant partner (AS SAUL WAS RAVAGING AND "TOUCHING" COVENANT PARTNERS OF CHRIST), you are "touching" the other partner (JESUS) also because of the bond of covenant producing a somewhat mysterious, but very real identification! Based upon the solemn and binding nature of the New Covenant, Jesus is "obligated" to come to the defense of His covenant partners. Can you begin to understand some of the practical implications of being in the new covenant with Christ? Do you believe that He is your Protector? If you are born again, you can rest assured that Jesus is your Covenant Defender today and forever. Hallelujah! All believers are in Covenant with the living God, Who is our Protector. We are not to take our vengeance beloved but leave that to our Covenant Partner who is our Avenger. Of course, this truth does not guarantee we will never be harmed or never experience times of persecution. In fact, persecution is one of God's "promises"! (2Ti 3:12-note, cp Mt 10:22, 23, 24, 25, Jn 15:19, 20, 21, 17:14, Acts 14:22, Php 1:29-note). But the oneness of covenant guarantees that God will avenge wrongs done to us either in this life or in the life to come! You can stake your life on this truth! We see this same principle at the judgment of the nations, the sheep and goats... “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ (Mt 25:45, cf Mt 25:40, 10:40) Swindoll - Collectively, we the church are the visible representation of Jesus Christ in the world! To persecute the church is to assault the Son of God. Toussaint on persecuting Me - The reference to “Me” gave Saul his first glimpse into the great doctrine of Christians being in Christ. Marty has an interesting thought on persecuting Me writing that "Though the idea was probably not in Paul’s mind at the time, it is possible this revelation was the origin of Paul’s favorite theological metaphor for the church, “the body of Christ” (cf. Eph 1:22–23; Col 1:18)." (Moody Bible Commentary) Matthew
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Robertson - Saul surrendered instantly as Thomas did (John 20:28) and as little Samuel (1 Sa 3:9). This surrender of the will to Christ was the conversion of Saul. He saw a real Person, the Risen Christ, to whom he surrendered his life. On this point he never wavered for a moment to the end. Remember that to be converted means to be "turned around," so that Saul (and all believers) are "turned around by Christ" and face the opposite direction (a very similar picture is seen with repentance). Saul the Gospel persecutor because Paul the Gospel preacher. And just as the world was amazed at Saul's conversion, the lost world is always amazed (and often very disturbed) when someone they knew in the darkness, turns to the light (Jn 8:12, 2 Cor 4:6, Col 1:13, Acts 26:18) and begins to walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7). Has your conversion ruffled a few feathers in those who knew you when you were still in Adam before the Spirit placed you forever in Christ (2 Cor 5:17)? Jack Andrews - Saul's encounter with Christ changed him forever. (Sermon) He went from persecuting Christ to praising Christ. He went from plotting against Christians to preaching Christ. On the Damascus road he went from death to life; from bondage to liberty; from blindness to sight; from futility to forgiveness. Acts 22:9 "And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. KJV Acts 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. hose who were with me saw the light, Acts 9:7; Daniel 10:7 but John 12:29,30 See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry (Do not copy - copyrighted by Holman) Watch video of Paul's arrest and speech before the crowd Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE AFFECT ON SAUL'S TRAVELING COMPANIONS Parallel Passage: The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. (Acts 9:7+) Paul's point is that other Jews could testify that something supernatural had occurred, even though they did not understand its full significance. And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure - Luke does not give specific details but clearly there were sufficient numbers accompanying Saul to allow him to bind people and bring them back to Jerusalem. Some of these men with Saul may have been Jewish "Temple police." In any event they too fell prostrate (Acts 26:14) when the heaven flashed forth light. Saul's traveling companions saw the light but only Saul saw Jesus. Imagine there shock and confusion -- Saul is lying on the ground and they hear him conversing with some unseen entity! One wonders if any of these men later received the Gospel after such a close encounter of the supernatural kind! These men were in a state as depicted by our modern idiom "scared to death" and who would blame them! They saw the natural light but failed to discern the supernatural light. THOUGHT - Yes, they saw the light but sadly they did not see the Light of the World. You can know all about Jesus and still go to Hell because you never really had a relationship with Him. And tragically this is the potential fate of many in America who claim they know Him but have never truly believed in His sacrifice on the Cross in their place. Steven
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Robertson - The blindness was proof that something had happened to him and that it was no hallucination that he had seen the Risen Christ. I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus - A raging bull became a docile lamb! Saul had an agenda in Damascus, but Jesus had another appointment for Saul in that city. THOUGHT - Have you ever had that experience where you planned to do one thing, but through providential circumstances the Lord steps in to alter your plans? That is rhetorical because all of us have had these experiences. Are you in the middle of an unexpected muddle even as you read this? The question is did we respond like Saul, obediently and without murmuring? Robertson - It was a pathetic picture to see the masterful Saul, victorious persecutor and conqueror of the disciples, now helpless as a child.
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Robertson - In every synagogue (kata tas sunagogas). Up and down (kata) in the synagogues. I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You - Paul threw believers into prison and beat them both of these verbs being in the present tense indicating that as a zealous Pharisee this was his continual practice - to bind and beat believers! Beat (flogged, gave lashes, struck) (1194)(dero) literally meant to remove the skin (flay = strip off skin) and here Paul confesses to the practice of whipping, beating, thrashing and scourging believers in a manner calculated to take off the skin (Mt. 21:35; Mk 12:3, 5; Lk 20:10, 11; Ac 16:37; 22:19)! Imagine how this would have "appealed" to the Jews who were opposed to the believers in Jesus. Believed (present tense)(4100)(pisteuo) those who placed their faith in Jesus as Messiah and Redeemer. Acts 22:20 'And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.' KJV Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. your witness Rev 2:13; 17:6 Stephen Acts 7:58; 8:1 approving Luke 11:48; Ro 1:32 See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry (Do not copy - copyright by Holman) Watch video of Paul's arrest and speech before the crowd Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL ACKNOWLEDGES APPROVING STEPHEN'S STONING And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed - The KJV has "Thy martyr" for in his death Stephen gave one of the most amazing testimonies to a life sold out to Jesus. His "reward in Heaven is great" (Mt 5:12+). Paul recognized that Stephen died for his faith—that he was the Lord’s servant and the Lord’s martyr. Your witness (martus/martys) - This is somewhat ironic for in Acts 22:18 Jesus had told Paul in the trance that the Jews would not accept his witness concerning Jesus. Paul would have had vivid memories of that horrible stoning leaving little doubt that that might be his fate if he failed to heed the warning to leave town. Martus is used in the Revelation (Rev 2:13+ = "of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.") and (Rev 17:6+ = " I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.") Being shed (poured out) (1632)(ekcheo from ek = out + chéo = pour) means literally to flow out, to gush forth or to pour out . The inherent idea is to cause something to be emitted in quantity. The imperfect tense is grotesquely picturesque - as a doctor I envision a site I have often seen of an arterial bleed which is pulsating in synch with the heart, so that it spurts out again and again. I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him - In modern legal parlance, Paul was in essence an accomplice in the murder of Stephen, even if he did not pick up and throw a stone at Stephen. He was watching the jackets which made it possible for others to throw more effectively (having removed their coats)! He was as guilty as those who actually threw the stones! Approving (present tense)(4909)(suneudokeo from sun = together with + eu = good + dokéo = think) literally means to "think well with". To show close identification that is personally involved (sun); enthusiastically agree, and so to consent or to give hearty approval to something. Ponder that thought - Paul was giving full, hearty approval as the stones were crushing on Stephen's body! Only the Gospel could save a heart that cold and hard! All NT uses of suneudokeo - Lk. 11:48; Acts 8:1; Acts 22:20; Rom. 1:32; 1 Co. 7:12; 1 Co. 7:13 Watching (present tense)5442)(phulasso) means to preserve by keeping an eye on, carrying out this role like a military guard or sentinel (cp Acts 23:35, 28:16). We get a great picture of phulasso which describes the vigilance of the shepherds "keeping watch over their flock by night." (Lk 2:8+). Paul was keeping his eyes on the coats lest one be snatched away. What irony, watching coats so they would not be snatched, while he watched a man's life be snatched away! Paul's priorities as an unbeliever were "upside down!" And that's a true statement for virtually everyone who refuses to believe in Jesus. They focus on the temporal which they will lose, and refuse to focus on the eternal where they will lose their soul! They are double "losers!" How foolish can you be! Jesus says "the way is broad that leads to destruction (apoleia = loss of all purpose for which man is created = To glorify God!), and there are many who enter through it." (Mt 7:13+) All 31 uses of phulasso - Mt 19:20; Mk. 10:20; Lk 2:8; Lk 8:29; Lk 11:21; Lk 11:28; Lk 12:15; Lk 18:21; Jn 12:25; Jn 12:47; Jn 17:12; Acts 7:53; Acts 12:4; Acts 16:4; Acts 21:24; Acts 21:25; Acts 22:20; Acts 23:35; Acts 28:16; Ro 2:26; Gal 6:13; 2 Th 3:3; 1 Ti 5:21; 1 Ti 6:20; 2 Ti 1:12; 2 Ti 1:14; 2 Ti 4:15; 2 Pe 2:5; 2 Pe 3:17; 1 Jn 5:21; Jude 1:24 Were slaying (present tense) (337) (anaireo from ana = up + haireo = to take) literally means to take up or lift up (from the ground), and most of the uses of are in an active sense referring to literal killing or putting to death (Mt. 2:16; Acts 5:36; 7:28; 9:23, 24, 29; 16:27; 23:15, 21, 27; 25:3). Anaireo speaks of public execution (Luke 23:32; Acts 2:23; 10:39; 12:2; 13:28; 22:20; 26:10). Acts 22:21 "And He said to me, 'Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" KJV Acts 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. Go - Acts 9:15 For I will send you - Acts 9:15; Acts 13:2,46,47; Acts 18:6; Acts 26:17,18; Ro 1:5; 11:13; 15:16; 16:26; Gal 1:15,16; 2:7,8; Eph 3:6-8; 1 Ti 2:7; 2 Ti 1:11 See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry (Do not copy - copyright by Holman) Watch video of Paul's arrest and speech before the crowd Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JESUS PROPHESIES PAUL'S PURPOSEFUL LIFE Parallel Passage addressed to Ananias to go to Saul/Paul but in the present passage addressed by Jesus to Paul the go is to the Gentiles (his "commissioning" as the apostle to the Gentiles)... But the Lord said to him, “Go (present imperative), for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; (Acts 9:15+) I explain this more below, but that word purposeful could just as easily be phrased "purpose filled." Purposeful means having meaning through having an aim. When we travel with God, in His will (His "aim"), in His Spirit's power, for His glory, our life becomes a great adventure (play song) and the reward is temporal and eternal joy! Alexander
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Robertson on anetazo - Milligan and Moulton's Vocabulary quotes an Oxyrhynchus papyrus of A.D. 127 which has a prefect using the word directing government clerks to "examine" (anetazein) documents and glue them together into volumes (tomoi). The word was evidently in use for such purposes. It was a kind of "third degree" applied to Paul by the use of scourges (mastixin), instrumental plural of mastix, old word for whip, as in Hebrews 11:36. But this way of beginning an inquiry by torture (inquisition) was contrary to Roman law (Page): Non esse a tormentis incipiendum, Divus Augustus statuit.
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Robertson - Lysias was as much in the dark as ever, for Paul's speech had been in Aramaic and this second explosion was a mystery to him like the first. Acts 22:25 But when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?" KJV Acts 22:25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? What are you about to do Acts 10:1; 23:17; 27:1,3,43; Mt 8:8; 27:54 Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman Acts 22:27,28; 16:37; 25:16 Watch Video of Paul taken into barrack to be flogged Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL CLAIMS HIS RIGHTS! But when they stretched him out with thongs (see picture in v24) - Moulton-Milligan on stretched forth (proteino - only NT use) says "this verb seems to be used not of binding or tying with thongs (AV, RV), but rather of “stretching forward” with thongs, so as to cause a tense posture for receiving blows." He was ready for a brutal beating, one that would not stop until he confessed to the crimes he was suspected of. Recall that Paul had already resolved "I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13+) Thongs (2438)(himas) is a string or strap as one of leather to tie sandals to the feet (Matt. 1:7; Luke 3:16; John 1:27; Lxx uses - Isa. 5:27, Job 39:10). In the present passage himas refers to thongs or straps of leather used to bind and scourge Paul. Scourging was used with criminals, and especially slaves. In the Septuagint Isaiah 5:18 has a figurative use "Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood (literally with "ropes of emptiness")." This is a sad picture of sinners so attached to their sinful ways (depicted metaphorically as a heavy load) that they strain to drag them along behind them! Woe! Paul said to the centurion who was standing by - Paul was not foolish, so spoke up before the scourge hit his back! Why Paul did not speak of sooner is a mystery. Centurion (1543)(Hekatontarches from hekaton = one hundred + archo = to command) means a commander of a hundred soldiers, a centurion, and would be our equivalent of an army captain or company commander. Centurion is from Latin centurio an officer in charge of a hundred soldiers (the Latin equivalent being used by Mk 15:39-45). Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned - By the Roman law, no magistrate was allowed to punish a Roman citizen capitally, or by inflicting stripes, or even binding him; and the single expression, "I am a Roman citizen," arrested their severest decrees, and obtained, if not an escape, at least a delay of his punishment. In (Acts 16:22-24) Paul did not invoke his Roman citizenship and was beaten with rods The crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Is it lawful (permitted)(1832)(exesti from from ek = out + eimí = to be) is an impersonal verb, signifying "it is permitted, it is lawful" (or interrogatively, "is it lawful?"). Paul knew that Roman citizens were exempted from such brutal methods by the Valerian and Porcian laws Uncondemned (178)(akatakritos from a = without + katakrino - to condemn) means either uncondemned or not having gone through a legal trial (both true in the present passage). In the only other NT use in Acts 16:37 "But Paul said to them (the soldiers sent by magistrates to set Paul and Silas free), “They have beaten us in public without trial (akatakritos), men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.” Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman." KJV Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. What are you about to do Acts 22:29; 23:27 Watch Video of Paul taken into barrack to be flogged Acts 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CENTURION WARNS COMMANDER When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman - The centurion like a good Roman soldier immediately took this issue to the next in command in the form of a warning.