Session 11
Acts 22:6-21
Memory Verse: Acts 22:15
Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road provides the backdrop for his testimony in Acts 22. From the time he met Jesus, Paul had spent years following Christ and fulfilling His plans. Often, that meant persecution in some distant land, but he never backed down and never gave up.
As his third missionary journey drew to a close, Paul knew two things for sure. First, God wanted him in Jerusalem. Second, that trip would lead to more suffering for the sake of the gospel. Yet, Paul used his faith story to turn an explosive situation into a chance to talk about Jesus.
All of us have a faith story of our own, a testimony we could share for God’s glory. As you get ready to lead this session, prayerfully consider how God wants you to use your story. Encourage the adults in your group to look for ways they can tell others what Jesus has done for them.
In a courtroom, witnesses promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Have you watched televised trials and wondered if the witnesses were seeing the same things? Witnesses who offer conflicting testimony may have a problem with memory or a problem with truth. When we share our faith stories, we are witnesses for Christ. What we say, how we say it, and the character of the person saying it combine to produce credibility. (PSG, p. 100)
After leaving the Ephesian elders in Miletus, Paul continued his journey toward Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-16). When he arrived, he met with James and other elders there, sharing the successes God had achieved in Greece and Asia Minor. His accounts caused great rejoicing in the church, but the leaders warned him about an issue that was bubbling up in their community (21:17-25).
A rumor had gained traction in Jerusalem, alleging that Paul’s time with Gentiles had led him to reject the practices of Jewish law. Some also suggested that Paul discouraged Jewish believers from Jewish practices. After hearing Paul’s response, the elders were satisfied that he had done no wrong. They also suggested that he submit to a ceremonial time of cleansing to show that he still respected the law.
Paul agreed and began the week-long purification ritual the next day. When the week was almost up, though, his presence led to a riot in the temple complex as a group of Jews accused him of bringing a Gentile into the temple (21:26-30). The Jews dragged Paul out of the inner temple court and beat him.
Romans never entered the inner court; but once Paul was brought to the outer court, the Romans could act. In response to the chaos, the local commander sent his troops into the mob and saved Paul’s life. On the way to the Roman barracks, Paul asked to address the crowd, and the commander agreed (21:31-40).
When a measure of order had been restored, Paul spoke to the Jews in Aramaic, which calmed the crowd even more. His defense was simple. He told them what Jesus had done in his life (22:1-21). He recounted his early life as a student of Gamaliel and his commitment to the Mosaic law. He shared how he had persecuted followers of Jesus until he actually met the Savior on the road to Damascus. Finally, he described how God had called him to serve as a witness to the Gentiles.
The mob had quietly listened to Paul’s story until he mentioned the Gentiles. From there, the crowd erupted again and called for Paul’s death (22:22-23). In response, the commander rushed Paul into the barracks. Initially, he ordered that Paul be whipped despite the absence of any formal charges. That’s when Paul clarified that he was a Roman citizen, which meant he had certain legal protections (22:24-29).
This revelation alarmed the commander and forced him to reevaluate his plans. Instead of dealing with Paul on his own, he brought the apostle before the Jewish Sanhedrin. Eventually, the Sanhedrin plotted to kill Paul, which led the Romans to move him to Caesarea (22:30-23:35).
As you read Acts 22:6-21, compare your faith story with Paul’s. What similarities and differences can you find? (PSG, p. 101)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
6 “As I was traveling and approaching Damascus, about noon an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me.”
(v. 6) Approaching Damascus: In addressing the Jerusalem mob, Paul detailed his life as a Christ follower. The most significant event in his life was his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. This Damascus Road experience was described three times in Acts: once describing the actual event and twice when Paul gave first-person testimonies. The repetition highlighted the importance of the Damascus Road vision.
Always the informed speaker, Paul again modified his sermons to fit the listeners. Before the primarily Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, he included his history as a student of the law and information about his friend, Ananias, a respected leader among the Jews.
The Damascus Road
As noted, the story of the Damascus Road appears three times in Acts. Read and reflect on the following accounts of this event. In a journal, note similarities and differences. Consider why Paul might have included some elements and left out others, depending on the audience.
(v. 6) About noon: Paul’s inclusion of the time added validity to the account and highlighted the prominence of the intense light he experienced. The verse noted that the light appeared at about noon when it suddenly flashed around him. This reference to time appears only in this account of Paul’s conversion.
Paul’s testimony provides a stark contrast between the light of Christ’s glory on the road to Damascus and Paul’s personal life filled with darkness to that point. The man who was then called “Saul” had dedicated his life to persecuting Christians. While he was convinced of his own righteousness, Paul was overwhelmed by evil. This episode marked a significant change for Paul as light took over the darkness of his previous life.
(vv. 7-8) Heard a voice: Paul was so shocked by the blinding light that he collapsed. Along with the bright light came a voice from heaven. The voice called out to him, repeating his Hebrew name, Saul. The voice also asked Saul why he was carrying out his campaign of persecution.
Paul responded to the question with a question: Who are you, Lord? The Lord identified Himself as Jesus and as the one you are persecuting. Including Jesus’s hometown of Nazareth would have been a familiar reference to the Jewish crowd.
(v. 9) Saw the light: Paul’s traveling companions saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the Lord speaking. While they could validate the reality of Paul’s experience, Jesus’s message was for Paul’s ears alone.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
10 “I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ The Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything that you have been assigned to do.’ 11 Since I couldn’t see because of the brightness of the light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and went into Damascus. 12 Someone named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, who had a good reputation with all the Jews living there, 13 came and stood by me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And in that very hour I looked up and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the words from his mouth, 15 since you will be a witness for him to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now, why are you delaying? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’”
(v. 10) What should I do: Paul highlighted his submission to the Owner of the voice. He explained that he immediately sought direction and guidance, underscoring Jesus’s authority over his life. The response was get up and go, which Paul did.
It’s important to note that even after he learned the speaker’s identity, Paul referred to Him as Lord instead of “Jesus.” The term “Lord” would have resonated with a Jewish audience. Ordinarily, they would have referred to God as “Lord.” But Paul was moving them toward an understanding that Jesus is Lord (see Phil. 2:5-11). Paul was eager for his audience to see that a devout Jew could call Jesus “Lord.”
(v. 11) Couldn’t see: Paul was blinded by the brightness of the light. Paul’s blindness prevented him from safely walking on the road, so he had to be led by the hand into the city. Again, Paul’s words provide a contrast. The once proud and unstoppable persecutor was humbled and dependent on the help of his traveling partners.
(v. 12) Ananias: Luke first introduced readers to Ananias in Acts 9, where we see the events from Ananias’s perspective. In Acts 22, the narrative is similar, though it is told from Paul’s point of view. Paul did not share the details of Ananias’s conversation with God, either because he did not know about them or because they were not relevant to the purposes of his speech.
(v. 12) Devout man . . . good reputation: Paul emphasized that Ananias was a devout man. While this would indicate a strong faith in Christ, Paul was also suggesting that Ananias maintained a pristine relationship with God according to the law. The Jews respected Ananias, and he owned a good reputation among them. Like Paul, Ananias had been raised a faithful Jew and his conversion to Christianity did not diminish his devotion to God or to Jewish teachings.
(v. 13) Regain your sight: God sent Ananias to heal Paul’s blindness. The result was immediate. Paul noted that he looked up and saw him. Moving forward, Paul would have his physical sight. Even more important, he gained spiritual sight.
(vv. 14-15) The Righteous One: In addition to restoring Paul’s sight, Ananias also had God’s marching orders for Paul. Earlier, Paul had asked what he should do. At that moment, the answer was “wait.” Now, Ananias assured him the wait was over.
The God of our ancestors had allowed Paul to see the Righteous One and to speak directly to Him. This would have been significant for Paul’s ministry and why he could claim the authority of an apostle as he set out to be a witness for Jesus among all people. Paul’s mission would be universal in scope.
Be baptized
Like all new believers, Paul needed to be baptized as a public demonstration of his faith in Christ. Throughout the New Testament, writers used forms of the Greek word baptizo to describe baptism. The word literally means to submerge, indicating that immersion is the proper means of believer’s baptism.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
17 “After I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him telling me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 But I said, ‘Lord, they know that in synagogue after synagogue I had those who believed in you imprisoned and beaten. 20 And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I stood there giving approval and guarding the clothes of those who killed him.’ 21 He said to me, ‘Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
(v. 17) Praying in the temple: Paul noted that he returned to Jerusalem at some point after his conversion. While praying in the temple, Jesus spoke to him. Luke did not include this information when he described Paul’s return to Jerusalem in Acts 9:26-29.
Falling into a trance, Paul experienced a commissioning vision similar to the one received by Isaiah (Isa. 6:1-13). In both situations, the Lord described an assignment for ministry and opposition from people. Also, both situations were conversations, not monologues. God not only spoke, but He also listened.
(v. 18) Get out of Jerusalem: While Isaiah continued to minister in Jerusalem despite the persecution, Paul was required to escape the city as quickly as possible. Opposition to Paul was prompted by his teaching and preaching. He had shared the gospel faithfully, but Jesus knew his listeners would not accept the truth.
As a young believer, Paul initially objected to leaving (vv. 19-20). He had imprisoned and beaten Christ followers, and the Jews in Jerusalem (both Christians and non-Christians) were well-acquainted with his old life. He hoped that continuing his ministry would convince believers of the change that God had worked in his life and persuade unbelievers of the change that God would work in them.
(v. 20) Blood of your witness Stephen: Luke suggests that Paul had actively persecuted believers before the Damascus Road. Before coming to Christ, he had been “breathing threats and murder” against the church (Acts 9:1). While we don’t know the exact number of Christians Paul persecuted, we do know that he played a role in the death of Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr (7:58).
Apparently, Paul understood the grace of Jesus’s forgiveness, but Stephen’s death left an indelible mark on his life. It also provided an example of how God had changed his life, transforming him from persecutor to brother. Paul had hoped this would make a difference in the lives of Jews in Acts 9, and he believed the message could still make an impact on his audience in Acts 22.
(v. 21) Go: Jesus allowed Paul’s protests, but they did not change His divine agenda. As one might expect, go appears as an imperative, making it a command. The Greek wording indicates starting on a journey. In this case, God was sending Paul on the next phase of his spiritual walk. He was going to the Gentiles.
As it turned out, the mention of Gentiles turned the tide against Paul. The crowd that had been attentive became violent, screaming for Paul’s life. The apostle had to be rescued by the Romans once again (vv. 22-24).
Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group. Share a brief version of your faith story. If you have had an opportunity to share your story with someone during the week, let the group know how that experience went for you. Challenge them to ask God to help them be sensitive to the evangelistic opportunities He brings along their paths each day.
Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ. (See John 20:21; 2 Corinthians 5:11-15.)
Use various translations to better understand a word or concept.
Locate at least two translations of Acts 9:1-18 and 22:6-16, other than the one printed in the resource. Find all references to various types of light found in the passages. Write the references in a journal, including how each reference of light was used in Paul’s conversion experience.