Acts 22- Tell your Story
Acts 22 is Paul’s powerful reminder that sometimes your testimony is your greatest sermon. After surviving the riot in Jerusalem, Paul asks for permission to speak — not to defend himself, but to share Christ. And incredibly, the same crowd that tried to kill him suddenly grows silent the moment he begins speaking in Hebrew (Acts 22:2). God will often give you unexpected favor when you step into obedience.
Paul’s Roots and His Zeal
Paul begins by establishing common ground with his Jewish audience. He reminds them:
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He was “brought up in this city” — Jerusalem (v. 3)
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Trained under Gamaliel, one of the most respected rabbis (v. 3)
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Zealous for the Law, just as they were (v. 3)
He even admitted that he persecuted the Way (the early Christians), dragging men and women to prison (v. 4; cf. Acts 8:3; 9:1). Paul wasn’t a casual unbeliever — he was passionately wrong. Yet God still chose him. That alone is encouragement: your past can’t disqualify you from God’s purpose.
A God Who Interrupts
Then Paul recounts the moment grace intercepted him on the road to Damascus. A blinding light. A voice calling his name. “I am Jesus” (Acts 22:8). Some heard the sound but didn’t understand the voice (v. 9). Not everybody will understand what God speaks to you — and that’s okay.
Ananias enters the story next. Paul highlights Ananias as “a devout man according to the law” (v. 12), again building credibility with his audience. This man, faithful and respected, laid hands on Paul and spoke God’s calling over him:
“The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from His mouth.” (Acts 22:14)
Then came the invitation: “Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (v. 16). Baptism didn’t save Paul; Jesus did. But baptism demonstrated outwardly what God had done inwardly — cleansing through Christ’s blood (Heb. 10:19–22).
A Vision in the Temple
Paul describes another encounter with Jesus — this time in the temple (Acts 22:17). This is important. He is grounding his experience in sacred Jewish space, much like Isaiah’s call (Isa. 6). In that moment Jesus told him plainly: leave Jerusalem, because they will not accept your testimony (v. 18).
That had to hurt. Paul longed for his own people to believe. But God was writing a bigger story:
“I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:21)
Sometimes God closes the door you want most so He can open the door He needs most.
Citizenship and Divine Protection
The moment Paul mentioned the Gentiles, the crowd exploded again (v. 22). The Romans stepped in to interrogate him by scourging — until Paul quietly mentioned that he was a Roman citizen (v. 25–29). Instantly everything changed.
Isn’t it interesting?
God used both Paul’s supernatural encounters and his natural citizenship to protect him. God will use anything — spiritual or practical — to keep His purpose intact.
The Lesson of Acts 22
Paul teaches us that our testimony has power — but obedience has even more.
He also shows us that:
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You can be misunderstood and still be obedient
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God may send you where you never planned to go
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Your past doesn’t cancel your calling
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Your story will always point back to Jesus, not you
Paul wasn’t trying to win an argument. He was trying to win hearts. And even though the crowd rejected him, he fulfilled his assignment: he told his story anyway.
Acts 22 reminds us that God uses our testimony as a bridge for the gospel. Paul speaks boldly to his own people, sharing his past, his encounter with Jesus, and his divine commissioning. Even though rejection follows, Paul remains anchored in obedience. His story teaches us that God redeems our past, directs our steps, and equips us with both spiritual and practical tools to fulfill our purpose.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the power of a redeemed story. Give me the courage to share what You’ve done in my life, even when I feel misunderstood or afraid. Help me walk in obedience, trust Your direction, and embrace every door You open — and every door You close. Like Paul, may I finish my race with faithfulness, boldness, and grace. Amen.