Acts 21 and 22

These chapters (written by Luke) presents Paul’s travels in Coos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, and Caesarea, as well as his time in Jerusalem. At Tyre (v 4), the Holy Spirit, via the disciples, warns him not to go to Jerusalem. Although this warning is repeated by the prophet Agabus of Caesarea, Paul goes to Jerusalem, perhaps disobeying the Holy Spirit (God’s plan may have been something much greater), where, although he follows the advice of the followers (v. 20-25) and undergoes the purification ritual, he is still captured by the Jews.

In Acts 22, Paul speaks to the Jews about his background: As a Jew of Tarsus, the zealous child, Saul, was educated by Gamaliel. Consequently, he captured (subsequently killed) all those who departed from the religion. It was on to the road to Damascus, when sent to convey such prisoners to Jerusalem, that he was confronted by a great light at noon time, and heard a voice of asking him why he was persecuting Him (obviously, the persecution of each Christian equates to repeated persecution of Jesus). Saul was puzzled about the identity of this Supreme Being, and Jesus identifies Himself and directs him to Damascus where he will receive more directions. His companions saw the light, but did not hear the voice. Blinded, he was led to Damascus where Jesus healed him through Ananias. Ananias informs him that he was chosen by God to know His will, see Jesus (‘The Just One’), and hear him (v. 14), so that he will be His witness. When Paul returned to Jerusalem, Jesus tells him to leave the city. Paul is reluctant since his testimony will carry much weight since everyone knows of how he persecuted Christians. Still, Jesus had planned to send him to the Gentiles.