These small group Bible studies of Acts 22 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Acts 22 Bible Study Guide – Paul Shares His Testimony with the Jews
Outline
I. Paul arrested in the temple (21:27-36)
II. Paul’s defense to the people (21:37-22:29)
I. Paul arrested in the temple (27-36)
Discussion Questions
• Who are these “Jews from Asia?”
• What charges did they bring against Paul?
• Were their charges true?
• Why did they assume that Paul had brought Greeks into the temple?
• What is the danger of making assumptions?
• When you think something might have happened but are not sure, what should you do?
• How did the Roman government react?
• How do you see the Romans properly exercising their authority in this passage?
Cross-References
Acts 13:50 – But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
Acts 14:2 – But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
Acts 17:5 – But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd.
Proverbs 18:13 – If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
John 7:24 – Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Jews from Asia –
Evidently, there were Jews on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem from Asia. Since Paul had frequently been preaching in Asia, they were familiar with him and quickly recognized him. They brought their same opposition to Paul back to Jerusalem. It was a new battlefield, but the same battle.
2. Slander –
Paul was falsely accused. The Jews from Asia slandered him by saying that he had taught against the Jews, the law, and the temple. All three were false accusations. Paul had spent his life serving them by preaching the gospel that could bring them salvation.
Sometimes edifying instruction can be taken as opposition. My son is on a homeschool basketball team. I volunteer as the coach. There are times when I need to give corrective instructions to one of the players on the team. It could be about proper technique or giving more energy. Although my goal is to help that individual grow as a player, they don’t always see it that way. Some could interpret genuine help as a personal attack or criticism.
Application – Be open-minded and teachable. The Jews saw so many miracles and listened to many Spirit-filled sermons. But they were hard-hearted and unwilling to accept instruction. The book of Proverbs is filled with reminders that a wise person listens to correction.
Reflect – Why can it be so hard to receive instruction?
Proverbs 19:20 – Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
3. Assumptions –
The enemies of Paul assumed that he had violated the law by bringing Greeks into the temple. They had no evidence of this. It was a lie. But they assumed it to be the case because they had seen Paul with Greeks at another location in the city.
Their bias caused them to jump to conclusions. These were not neutral observers. It was this false accusation that eventually led to Paul’s martyrdom in Rome. Assumptions can be dangerous.
Reflect – Did anyone ever wrongly make an assumption about you? How did you feel?
When we make assumptions about people around us, it can hurt relationships because we assume we understand their motivations. We have all been on the wrong side of assumptions. When we are judged wrongly for our actions or motivations, it is hurtful.
The best way to avoid assumptions is to slow down and investigate to understand the full story. It is better to come to the correct conclusion slowly than to come to the wrong one quickly.
Soon after coming to the Promised Land, Israel almost descended into civil war because of wrong assumptions (Joshua 22).
Proverbs 18:13 – If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Application – Do not make assumptions. Do not guess what is in another person’s mind. Ask more questions. One good way to avoid misunderstandings is to double-check that you correctly understand the other side by saying something like, “I understand that you are saying… is that what you are saying?” In this way, you can eliminate misunderstandings.
Anyone with authority will sometimes be called on to make judgments. That is true of parents, teachers, bosses, and church leaders. Being a just judge is a sacred duty. Taking the time to fully understand builds respect and credibility in the long term, while hastily jumping to conclusions embitters those under you.
Reflect – Share a Biblical example of someone who judged well and an example of someone who did not.
4. Paul is arrested –
These rabble rousers were very experienced at stirring up mobs by this point. It was a frequently used tactic to oppose Paul’s work. Throughout Acts, we see them use it effectively time and again to distract, delay, and divert Paul.
In this case, they would have killed Paul if the Roman government had not stepped in. This passage reveals the reason why God established government. A proper government should uphold law, order, and justice. The Roman government was far from perfect, but without it Paul would have been killed right here.
Application – It is easy to complain about the government. Yet in almost all countries, the citizens would be worse off with no government. Take a moment to thank God for the government of your country and pray for wisdom and salvation.
II. Paul’s defense to the people (21:37-22:29)
Discussion Questions
• How would you describe Paul’s response to this frightening situation?
• Why do you think he wants to talk with the people even in their frenzied state? Was this wise?
• What stands out to you in Paul’s testimony?
• Why is his testimony such a powerful tool for evangelism?
• Which events does he highlight and why?
• Are you ready to share your testimony at a moment’s notice?
• How can you use the power of testimony for evangelism?
• Besides “salvation testimony,” what other kinds of testimonies are there?
• How can testimonies build up and encourage other believers?
• How can you develop the lifestyle of sharing testimonies?
• When did the events of verses 17-18 happen?
• Why did Jesus tell Paul to leave Jerusalem?
• What was Paul’s response?
• Did Paul leave Jerusalem?
• What statement finally sent the Jews over the edge? Why were they so angry about it?
Cross-References
Acts 16:37 – But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.”
John 9:25 – One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.
Mark 5:19 – “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Paul eagerly asks to share with the people –
Paul’s life was at risk moments before and yet he is not trembling for fear and hiding away. At the first opportunity, he wants to come out and address the people. His goal is not to vindicate his name. If he were only interested in preserving his life, he would never have gone back to Jerusalem to begin with.
Instead, Paul is seeking a chance to witness for Christ to his countrymen. In spite of all the evil they have done to him, he still loves them and would like nothing more than to see them saved.
Look at this statement and feel the love behind Paul’s desire to share with his people.
Romans 9:3 – For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
He had been treated terribly by these people. They tortured him. They chase him. They beat him. They stoned him. And still, he says that he would willingly be cursed and separated from Christ if that would ensure their salvation. It appears that he would willingly go to hell as their substitute if he could.
Isn’t that great love?
John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Reflect – Do you have this level of love for your people?
I do not have that level of courage or love.
We shouldn’t be content to stand by and watch as millions of people die without hearing about Christ.
Each of us should take the opportunities we have to tell others the good news. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Therefore be careful how to walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil.”
We should follow Paul’s example by showing our love for others and making the most of our time on earth by sharing the gospel with others.
Application – Let us pray that God will give us a heart of deep compassion and love for the lost around us. Let us not let our love grow cold or become complacent at the fate of the souls of our neighbors. Should we not speak life to those who are on the broad way to hell?
2. Paul’s testimony –
In verses three through twenty-one, Paul shares his testimony with the Jews gathered to put him to death. He is a man who practiced what he preached. He once told Timothy to “be ready in season and out of season” to preach the gospel (2 Timothy 4:2). Here is an example of doing just that.
Paul did not need to write his testimony down. He didn’t need time to get ready. This was a man who had nearly been put to death moments before. Now he is boldly proclaiming what Christ had done in his life.
There were other approaches to sharing with the people. He could have tried to prove Jesus was the Messiah from the Old Testament. Or he could have shared about all of the miracles performed in the name of Jesus throughout his ministry. But he did not mention a single healing. Paul simply shared his testimony. The story of his life transformation through Jesus was powerful. People can argue about many things, but it is difficult to argue with someone’s personal testimony of how they have experienced Christ.
Application – God calls us to be ready to defend the faith (1 Peter 3:15) at all times. We should be ready to share testimonies of God’s work in our lives in season and out of season.
It is a sad thing when a believer is asked, “What has God done in your life lately?” and they are silent or answer, “Nothing.” God is always at work in our lives and in the world around us.
Reflect – How can we develop a lifestyle of sharing testimonies?
• Keep your eyes open for what God is doing.
• When you pray, look for God’s answer and then write it down.
• Practice. Start doing it. The more you share testimonies, the more natural it will feel.
• Take initiative and plan. If you are getting together with a friend, you can consider ahead of time what testimony you can share that will be an encouragement.
This week, find an opportunity to share a testimony about what God has done in your life.
Group Activity – Ask each person in the group to share a sixty-second testimony. It can be their salvation testimony, an answer to prayer, an insight into Scripture, or anything else God has done in their life. If your group is large, split into smaller groups of three or four.
3. Recap of Paul’s testimony –
Verses three through twenty-one are Paul’s recap of his conversion. Luke recorded this in Acts 9. For more information, see the details in our notes on Chapter 9.
Reflect – Compare Paul’s recounting and Luke’s record. Are there any additional details or differences here?
4. Jesus warned Paul to leave Jerusalem –
Here, Paul describes the events of his first trip to Jerusalem. Luke recorded it as well.
Acts 9:28-29 – So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
Initially, Paul had hoped to stay in Jerusalem and preach. When Jesus warned him to leave, Paul said, “Lord, they themselves know that in synagogue after synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.” Paul gently pushed back about leaving Jerusalem. Believing that his conversion and transformation story was so powerful that they would listen, Paul desired to stay and share it with them. Jesus knew that they were not yet willing to listen. Because he had more work for Paul to do in other regions, Jesus insisted that he leave.
God’s timing is not our timing.
Application – God does want us to share the gospel. Perhaps you feel called to share with a relative. Praise God. But at the same time, be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. Sometimes, “wait” is the proper course of action.
5. The Jews lose it –
When Paul mentioned that Jesus sent him to the Gentiles, they lost all composure. It sent them over the edge.
Reflect – What was it about this statement that enraged them so much?
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