Acts: A 14-Day Devotional For Menنموونە

A Changed Man
Acts 22:1–21

Paul’s conversion from zealous persecutor to persecuted preacher was hugely significant for the early church. Paul recounts his remarkable transformation when he defends his conduct, his gospel, and his Gentile mission before a hostile Jewish crowd (Acts 22) and King Agrippa (ch. 26). Paul’s testimony in 22:1–21 makes three main points: (1) Paul, like his opponents, had been a zealous persecutor; (2) Jesus intervened in Paul’s life; (3) Paul has a new identity and a new calling to mission, whatever the cost.

First, *Paul, like his opponents, had been a zealous persecutor* (vv. 3–5). Here Paul seeks to build common ground with his audience and answer the false accusations that he is teaching and acting against the Jewish people, the law, and the temple (21:28). Paul speaks to the crowd in Hebrew, addresses them as brothers and fathers, and reminds them of his impeccable Jewish credentials. He reminds them of his elite education in the law and of his unmatched zeal for God, as seen in how he had persecuted Christians (see 22:19–20). 

Second, *Jesus intervened in Paul’s life* (vv. 6–11). Paul actively opposed Christians until the risen Lord Jesus appeared to him. The glorious light of Jesus not only blinded Paul’s eyes; it also corrected his mistaken views of Jesus and overcame his sinful opposition to the Lord and to Christians. 

Finally, *Paul has a new identity and a new calling to mission, whatever the cost* (vv. 12–21). The feared persecutor is now “Brother Saul” (v. 13), a baptized believer in Jesus. The Lord has called Paul to bear witness to everyone about what he has seen and heard and also to suffer for the name of Jesus (9:15–16; 22:15). Consequently, many former friends and allies in Jerusalem reject Paul and refuse to accept his testimony. Paul highlights his way of life before Jesus, his personal encounter with Jesus, and his transformed life as a follower of Jesus. There is simply no explanation for the drastic change in Paul’s life apart from Jesus appearing to him as the glorious, righteous, risen Lord. Paul’s testimony challenges his audience to reevaluate their opposition to him and to his Lord so that they might be changed themselves by the saving power of God. 

The testimony of your conversion may not be as dramatic as Paul’s, but it can bring glory and honor to the Savior no less so than did his. So let us seize every opportunity to share what the amazing, transformative grace of God has done.—Brian J. Tabb