Paul’s Defense and the Power of Truth

Acts 22:1–5 (NASB95)   

1“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” 2And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said, 3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. 4“I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons,5as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. 

Paul begins his defense before the hostile crowd in Jerusalem by addressing them respectfully as “brothers and fathers,” immediately seeking to establish common ground. He speaks in Hebrew, the language of the people, which further quiets the crowd and gains their attention. Paul then recounts his background, emphasizing his Jewish heritage, his education under the esteemed teacher Gamaliel, and his zealous commitment to the law. By doing so, Paul demonstrates that he is not an outsider or a traitor to Jewish traditions, but someone who once shared the same zeal as his accusers. He even acknowledges his past persecution of Christians, showing that he understands their perspective because he once stood where they now stand. This approach highlights Paul’s wisdom in building rapport with his audience while preparing to share the transformative truth of his encounter with Jesus. 

Paul’s defense reminds us of the importance of speaking truth with humility and wisdom, especially in the face of opposition. He did not compromise the truth, but he also sought to connect with his audience by acknowledging their perspective and shared heritage. As the modern church, we are called to do the same, boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel while seeking to build bridges with those who may misunderstand or oppose us. Let us also remember that our past, like Paul’s, can be a powerful testimony of God’s grace and transformation. May we approach every opportunity to share the Gospel with courage, humility, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit.