Acts 22

Jesus

And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. Acts 22:6–7

The resurrected Jesus appears to Saul on the Damascus road in a light from heaven. He asks why Saul persecutes 'me', showing He counts every attack on His disciples as an attack on Himself.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Acts 9:3-4 — Luke's narrative account of the Damascus road vision.
• the same event in Acts 26:13-14 — Paul's retelling before Agrippa.
• alludes to Matthew 25:40 — What is done to the least of His brethren is done to Him.

Jesus

Jesus — Jehovah saves (Greek form of Joshua)

And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. Acts 22:8

Christ names Himself with the humble name of His mortal hometown, confirming that the glorified Lord of heaven is the same Jesus who lived in Nazareth.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 9:5 — Same self-identification in the narrative account.
• the same event in Acts 26:15 — Same self-identification before Agrippa.

Jesus

And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. Acts 22:9–11

The Lord Jesus directly instructs Saul what to do next, and the glory of His presence leaves Saul blind until he is led into Damascus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 9:6-8 — The narrative account of the Lord's instruction and Saul's blindness.

The Just One

Just One — the Righteous One, the sinless Messiah

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. Acts 22:14–15

Ananias calls the Savior 'that Just One', a title for the perfectly righteous Messiah. Paul is chosen to be a special witness because he has seen Him and heard His voice.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Acts 3:14 — Peter: 'ye denied the Holy One and the Just'.
• the same title in Acts 7:52 — Stephen: 'the coming of the Just One'.

Taking His name

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

Baptism washes away sins as the convert calls on the name of the Lord Jesus. The ordinance draws its cleansing power from Christ's name and Atonement.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Acts 2:38 — Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
• alludes to Joel 2:32 — Whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.

Jesus

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; Acts 22:17–18

In a vision in the temple, Paul sees the Lord again and is warned to flee Jerusalem. Paul's testimony is 'concerning me' — Christ Himself is the subject of his witness.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 9:29-30 — The brethren send Saul away from Jerusalem when his life is threatened.

Faith in Christ

And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: Acts 22:19–20

Paul speaks directly to the Lord Jesus ('thee'), confessing he persecuted those who believed on Him. Stephen is called 'thy martyr' — a witness who died for Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Acts 7:55-60 — Stephen sees the Son of man and is stoned while Saul consents.

Jesus

And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. Acts 22:21

The Lord personally commissions Paul as His messenger to the Gentiles, the mission that carried the gospel across the Roman world.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Acts 9:15 — The Lord calls Saul a chosen vessel to bear His name before the Gentiles.
• the same event in Acts 26:17 — The same sending to the Gentiles as told before Agrippa.