Bible Studies

Acts 22 and 23, Paul's Testimony and Appointment

by John Clark 
03/14/17
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The first 21 verses of chapter 22 consists of Paul's testimonmy. The rest of this chapter is the response of the government officials. There is nothing new, just the usual persecution, and being brought before the authorities, as has happened all through the Book of Acts. There are, however, 2 significant verses in this chapter: 10 and 14. They both speak of Paul being appointed to the tasks that God had given him to do. 

     Moving on to chapter 23, we see Paul standing once again before prominent leaders. As has occurred in the past, a disagreement arose regarding the resurrection of Christ. Paul never lets us forget that the resurrection of Christ is the whole basis of the Christian faith.  The Sadducees, a religious sect, was saying that there was no resurrection. Some Christians have made a joke about this saying that this is why they were sad, you see. It is so important that if one does not believe in the resurrection, he or she is not saved. That is made clear in Romans 10:9. "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." I Corinthians 15: 14 and 17 say that our faith is worthless and our preaching is in vain without the resurrection. 


Paul was ordered to be taken away from the people because they were so angry toward him (vs. 10). In verse 11, "...the Lord stood at his side and said 'Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to my cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.'" In contrast, the Jews had so much hatred that more than 40 of them formed a conspiracy to kill him. However, Paul's nephew heard of the plot and ambush and informed him. The commander was told of this. He ordered 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen to protect Paul. So why was the commander being so protective of Paul? Back in chapter 22 the answer is given in verses 25-29. Paul was a Roman citizen. He was brought safely to Herod's Praetorium. 

Application questions:

1. As a Christian your faith is based on the resurrection. Do you know the evidences for this historic event? Could you provide that to a non-believer?

2. Have you ever had an experience when, "spiritually speaking," it seemed as though the Lord was "standing by your side?"

3. Do you believe that there is a task to which you have received a divine appointment? If so, why do you believe that?