October 23, 2026 - Acts 22

Paul had been arrested at the temple and, as he was being carried away, he asked to speak to the people.  He spoke, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.  I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women” (22:3-4).   The crowd, largely made up of Jews, ate this up until Paul told about his conversion and the Lord’s command to go to the Gentiles with the gospel.  Upon hearing these things, the crowd turned against him and Paul was taken to be flogged and interrogated.  But, then, the famous question from Paul!  “Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, 'Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?'” (22:25)  A Roman citizen, not by purchase but by birth!  That’s a problem for his jailers.  And so, Paul was unbound and taken to be examined by his accusers.  Thus, the story continues toward its conclusion with Paul not only having preached to the Gentiles throughout Asia but soon to do so in Rome itself.  God’s declaration – “I will send you far away to the Gentiles” (22:21) – was about to be realized in its fullness.  How in the world did those who opposed Paul ever think they could succeed in thwarting God’s plans?

Stand, soldier of the cross,

Your high allegiance claim,

And vow to hold the world but loss

For your Redeemer’s name.

No more your own, but Christ's,

With all the saints of old,

Apostles, seers, evangelists,

And martyr throngs enrolled.

O bright the conqueror’s crown,

The song of triumph sweet,

When faith casts every trophy down

At our great Captain’s feet.   -- Edward Henry Bickersteth (1870)