Purpose

To record the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author

Luke, the beloved physician and Paul's traveling companion, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. As an eyewitness to many events and careful historian, Luke provides the authoritative account of the early church.

Historical Context

Written: 62-64 AD. The continuation of Luke's Gospel, showing how Jesus' work continued through His disciples.

Significance

The only record of early church history, showing how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Key Themes

Holy Spirit, Church Growth, Missions, Persecution, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Acts is volume 2 of Luke's two-part work (Luke-Acts makes up 27% of the New Testament)
• The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times - more than any other book
• Records the conversion of 3,000 people in one day (Pentecost)

Prophecies

• Jesus' promise that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Fulfilled: Ongoing fulfillment as the gospel spreads worldwide (2000 years later)

Acts 22 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of the early church, focusing on the Apostle Paul as he addresses a hostile crowd in Jerusalem. After being seized by the Jews for allegedly defiling the temple, Paul is given the opportunity to speak in his defense. The chapter opens with Paul addressing the crowd, appealing to their shared Jewish heritage and speaking in Hebrew to gain their attention. He recounts his background as a Jew from Tarsus, educated under the esteemed rabbi Gamaliel, and his zealous past as a persecutor of Christians. Paul's defense turns into a powerful testimony of his dramatic conversion experience. He recounts his journey to Damascus, where he encountered a blinding light and the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" This moment marks a significant turning point in Paul's life, transforming him from a fervent enemy of the church into one of its most passionate defenders. He describes how Ananias, a devoted Jew, played a key role in his healing and commissioning, emphasizing that God had appointed him to be a witness to the Gentiles. The chapter emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing unlikely individuals for His purpose, as well as the importance of personal testimony in sharing the gospel. However, Paul’s recounting of his mission to the Gentiles stirs up anger among the crowd, leading to further turmoil. This chapter not only highlights Paul’s identity and calling but also foreshadows the challenges he will face as he spreads the message of Jesus outside of the Jewish community. Ultimately, Acts 22 serves as a powerful reminder of transformation, grace, and the cost of discipleship in the face of opposition.

Purpose

To record the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author

Luke, the beloved physician and Paul's traveling companion, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. As an eyewitness to many events and careful historian, Luke provides the authoritative account of the early church.

Historical Context

Written: 62-64 AD. The continuation of Luke's Gospel, showing how Jesus' work continued through His disciples.

Significance

The only record of early church history, showing how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Key Themes

Holy Spirit, Church Growth, Missions, Persecution, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Acts is volume 2 of Luke's two-part work (Luke-Acts makes up 27% of the New Testament)
• The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times - more than any other book
• Records the conversion of 3,000 people in one day (Pentecost)

Prophecies

• Jesus' promise that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Fulfilled: Ongoing fulfillment as the gospel spreads worldwide (2000 years later)

Acts 22 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of the early church, focusing on the Apostle Paul as he addresses a hostile crowd in Jerusalem. After being seized by the Jews for allegedly defiling the temple, Paul is given the opportunity to speak in his defense. The chapter opens with Paul addressing the crowd, appealing to their shared Jewish heritage and speaking in Hebrew to gain their attention. He recounts his background as a Jew from Tarsus, educated under the esteemed rabbi Gamaliel, and his zealous past as a persecutor of Christians. Paul's defense turns into a powerful testimony of his dramatic conversion experience. He recounts his journey to Damascus, where he encountered a blinding light and the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" This moment marks a significant turning point in Paul's life, transforming him from a fervent enemy of the church into one of its most passionate defenders. He describes how Ananias, a devoted Jew, played a key role in his healing and commissioning, emphasizing that God had appointed him to be a witness to the Gentiles. The chapter emphasizes the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing unlikely individuals for His purpose, as well as the importance of personal testimony in sharing the gospel. However, Paul’s recounting of his mission to the Gentiles stirs up anger among the crowd, leading to further turmoil. This chapter not only highlights Paul’s identity and calling but also foreshadows the challenges he will face as he spreads the message of Jesus outside of the Jewish community. Ultimately, Acts 22 serves as a powerful reminder of transformation, grace, and the cost of discipleship in the face of opposition.