Sunday Morning Bible Study — Acts 22: Paul’s Testimony: When God Turns a Riot into a Witness
- Ken Kalis
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Text: Acts 22Theme: Testimony, calling, conscience, and costly obedienceKey Verse:
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” — Acts 22:16
1. Setting the Scene: A Mob, a Stairway, and a Testimony (Acts 22:1–5)
Paul has just been rescued from a riot in Jerusalem (Acts 21). Bound with chains, standing on the steps of the Roman barracks, he does something astonishing:
“Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence…” (22:1)
Instead of protesting injustice, Paul gives his testimony.
He begins where his audience is:
A Hebrew of the Hebrews
Educated under Gamaliel
Zealous for the Law
A persecutor of “this Way”
Paul does not exaggerate his sins, nor does he soften them. He tells the truth plainly.
Teaching point: God often opens doors for witness in moments we would rather escape.
2. The Damascus Road: God Interrupts a Sincere Man (Acts 22:6–11)
Paul recounts the turning point of his life:
A light from heaven
A voice calling his name
A question that still pierces the conscience:
“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (22:7)
Notice: Jesus does not say “Why are you persecuting my people?” He says “me.”
Christ so identifies with His Church that persecution of believers is persecution of Christ Himself.
Paul asks the only right question:
“What shall I do, Lord?” (22:10)
That question marks true conversion.
3. Ananias: Ordinary Faithfulness, Extraordinary Impact (Acts 22:12–16)
Paul introduces Ananias, a devout Jew respected by the community.
Ananias:
Calls Paul “Brother”
Restores his sight
Delivers God’s commission
Urges immediate obedience
“Arise, and be baptized… calling on the name of the Lord.” (22:16)
Teaching point: God often uses quiet, faithful servants—not famous ones—to change history.
4. Paul’s Calling: Sent to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17–21)
Paul explains that after his conversion, Jesus spoke to him again—this time in the Temple.
“Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” (22:21)
Up to this point, the crowd listens.
Then… everything explodes.
5. The Breaking Point: When Grace Offends (Acts 22:22–23)
The moment Paul mentions Gentiles, the crowd erupts:
“Away with such a fellow from the earth!” (22:22)
Why?
Because grace that includes “others” is often more offensive than law that excludes them.
This is a timeless reaction:
Grace humbles pride
Grace offends religious nationalism
Grace dismantles moral superiority
Teaching point: The Gospel is most resisted not when it condemns sin, but when it extends mercy.
6. Roman Citizenship: God Uses Earthly Means (Acts 22:24–29)
As Paul is about to be scourged, he asks calmly:
“Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman…?” (22:25)
This changes everything.
Paul:
Does not renounce his rights
Does not idolize his rights
Uses them wisely and sparingly for the sake of the Gospel
Teaching point: Faith does not mean passivity. God often protects His servants through lawful means.
7. A Clear Conscience Before God (Acts 22:30)
The chapter closes with Paul brought before the Sanhedrin.
Tomorrow, in Acts 23, he will say:
“I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
Acts 22 shows us how that conscience was formed:
By truth
By obedience
By submission to Christ’s call—no matter the cost
Major Themes to Emphasize on Sunday
The Power of Testimony: Paul’s defense is not an argument—it is a story of grace.
Calling Is Not Always Safe: God’s will took Paul into danger, not away from it.
Grace Will Divide: The Gospel unites sinners—but it provokes the proud.
God Is Sovereign Over Chaos: A riot becomes a pulpit. Chains become a platform.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Paul chose to give his testimony instead of defending himself politically or legally?
What does Jesus’ question—“Why persecutest thou me?”—teach us about His relationship to the Church?
Why is grace toward “outsiders” often the hardest truth for religious people to accept?
Are there areas where God may be calling you to obedience that could cost you comfort, approval, or safety?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,Thank You for meeting Paul on the road and meeting us in our own blindness.Give us courage to speak when doors open,humility to obey when You call,and grace to trust You when obedience leads into difficulty.May our consciences be clear, our witness faithful,and our lives wholly Yours. Amen.
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HIS WAY WITH THEE
Would you live for Jesus, and be always pure and good?
Would you walk with Him within the narrow road?
Would you have Him bear your burden, carry all your load?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Refrain
His power can make you what you ought to be;
His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free;
His love can fill your soul, and you will see
’Twas best for Him to have His way with thee.
Would you have Him make you free, and follow at His call?
Would you know the peace that comes by giving all?
Would you have Him save you, so that you can never fall?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Refrain
Would you in His kingdom find a place of constant rest?
Would you prove Him true in providential test?
Would you in His service labor always at your best?
Let Him have His way with thee.
Refrain
Cyrus S. Nusbaum, 1898
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him;
and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5