In Acts 22, Paul quieted a mob intent on killing him just minutes before, recounted his conversion and calling, and put his Roman citizenship to work to further his ministry. Paul truly became all things to all men (I Cor. 9:22), and Acts 22 is a masterclass on how to navigate cultural differences and even use legal protections to promote the gospel.
Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.
Key Takeaways:
- Paul’s recounting of his conversion and and Christ’s appearance to him in the temple (not recounted in Acts 9).
- How Paul used his testimony as a defense of the gospel.
- How God led the Apostle Paul in ministry.
- God’s method of using us to raise up people and fulfill the Great Commission.
- The basics of Roman civitas or citizenship and how Paul put that citizenship to work.