Acts 22 Paul's Defense Speech

 

Acts 22 – Paul’s Defense Speech

Paul could have been considered a “perfect” Jew. He had the right pedigree, the right training, the right desires, the right enthusiasm. But being “perfect” in one’s own eyes doesn’t make somebody saved before God.

When God got hold of Paul, He understood two very important facts. First, He realized that God could use every part of a person’s background and upbringing for His glory. Nothing is wasted with God. As God fashioned his future servant, the events of Paul’s life would be brought together into a perfect “package” that could accomplish God’s great purposes. Paul’s training under Gamaliel gave him command of the Old Testament scriptures. When Christ revealed Himself, Paul, unlike many of his fellow Pharisees saw how Christ had fulfilled every prophecy regarding the Messiah. Paul’s logical mind saw the truth, and there was no turning back. In addition, Paul’s Roman citizenship allowed him free travel across the empire and spared him at least one beating at the hands of the Roman soldiers.

Second, Paul realized that his perfect pedigree was ultimately worthless for salvation. He wrote to the Philippian church; “If anyone thinks he may confidence in the flesh, I more so; circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee, concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” Phil. 3:4-7.

Paul’s Jewish “perfection” counted for nothing. No one’s pedigree, training, background, wealth, abilities, gifts, appearance, or anything else can be perfect enough to earn salvation. We must not be enslaved to the “perfectionism” of this world that is ultimately worthless. Only when we cast ourselves before God and allow Him to use our backgrounds, training, and gifts for His glory will we find complete fulfillment. Only when we repent of our sins and accept Him as our Savior does He do His perfect work in us.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah, J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible