Chapter 22
Chapter Outline
Paul's account of his conversion. (1–11)
Paul directed to preach to the Gentiles. (12–21)
The rage of the Jews Paul pleads that he is (22–30)
a Roman citizen.Verses 1–11
The apostle addressed the enraged multitude, in the customary style of respect and good-will.
Paul relates the history of his early life very particularly; he notices that his conversion was wholly
the act of God. Condemned sinners are struck blind by the power of darkness, and it is a lasting
blindness, like that of the unbelieving Jews. Convinced sinners are struck blind as Paul was, not
by darkness, but by light. They are for a time brought to be at a loss within themselves, but it is in
order to their being enlightened. A simple relation of the Lord's dealings with us, in bringing us,
from opposing, to profess and promote his gospel, when delivered in a right spirit and manner, will
sometimes make more impression that laboured speeches, even though it amounts not to the full
proof of the truth, such as was shown in the change wrought in the apostle.
Verses 12–21
The apostle goes on to relate how he was confirmed in the change he had made. The Lord
having chosen the sinner, that he should know his will, he is humbled, enlightened, and brought to
the knowledge of Christ and his blessed gospel. Christ is here called that Just One; for he is Jesus
Christ the righteous. Those whom God has chosen to know his will, must look to Jesus, for by him
God has made known his good-will to us. The great gospel privilege, sealed to us by baptism, is
the pardon of sins. Be baptized, and wash away thy sins; that is, receive the comfort of the pardon
of thy sins in and through Jesus Christ, and lay hold on his righteousness for that purpose; and
receive power against sin, for the mortifying of thy corruptions. Be baptized, and rest not in the
sign, but make sure of the thing signified, the putting away of the filth of sin. The great gospel duty,
to which by our baptism we are bound, is, to seek for the pardon of our sins in Christ's name, and
in dependence on him and his righteousness. God appoints his labourers their day and their place,
and it is fit they should follow his appointment, though it may cross their own will. Providence
contrives better for us than we do for ourselves; we must refer ourselves to God's guidance. If Christ
send any one, his Spirit shall go along with him, and give him to see the fruit of his labours. But
nothing can reconcile man's heart to the gospel, except the special grace of God.
Verses 22–30
The Jews listened to Paul's account of his conversion, but the mention of his being sent to the
Gentiles, was so contrary to all their national prejudices, that they would hear no more. Their frantic