Question 1

What is Paul doing when he speaks to the crowd in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul is giving a careful defence of himself to a Jewish crowd that has just tried to attack him. He speaks to them in their own language and shows respect by calling them men, brothers, and fathers. He explains that he is a Jew like them, trained in the law and once very zealous for it. Then he tells his story, how he went from persecuting followers of Jesus to becoming a witness for Jesus because of what happened near Damascus and later in the temple.

Question 2

Why does Paul talk about being a Jew trained under Gamaliel?

Accepted Answer

Paul brings up his background to show that he has not turned his back on his people or their Scriptures. He was born a Jew, raised in Jerusalem, and taught at the feet of a respected teacher. He followed the law seriously and was very zealous for God, just as his listeners were. By saying this, he answers the charge that he despises the law or the temple. It also makes his later change of heart about Jesus stand out more clearly as God’s work, not a careless choice.

Question 3

What happened to Paul on the road to Damascus?

Accepted Answer

On the way to Damascus, around noon, a bright light from heaven suddenly shone around Paul. He fell to the ground and heard a voice calling his name twice, asking, “Why are you persecuting me?” When he asked who was speaking, the answer came, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” The light left him blind, so others had to lead him into the city. This meeting with the risen Jesus turned his life around, changing him from an enemy of believers into someone ready to serve the Lord who spoke to him.

Question 4

Who is Ananias and what does he do for Paul?

Accepted Answer

Ananias is described as a devout man who kept the law and had a good name among the Jews living in Damascus. He comes to the blind Paul, calls him “Brother Saul,” and tells him to receive his sight. At that moment Paul can see again. Ananias then explains that the God of their ancestors has chosen Paul to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear his voice. He urges Paul to be baptized, to wash away his sins, and to call on the Lord’s name, showing that Paul’s new life includes forgiveness and a clear commission.

Question 5

What does it mean when Ananias says, "wash away thy sins" in baptism?

Accepted Answer

Ananias tells Paul to rise, be baptized, and wash away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord. The picture is of leaving his old life as a persecutor and turning openly to Jesus. Baptism here is tied to repentance and faith, not to a bare outward act. Calling on the Lord’s name shows trust in Jesus for forgiveness. The wording stresses that Paul should not delay but respond at once to God’s grace, receive the promised cleansing, and publicly mark his new start in following the one he had opposed.

Question 6

Why does Jesus tell Paul to leave Jerusalem quickly?

Accepted Answer

Later, when Paul is back in Jerusalem praying in the temple, he goes into a trance and sees the Lord speaking to him. Jesus tells him to hurry and leave Jerusalem because the people there will not accept his witness about him. Paul protests that they know his past, how he imprisoned believers and agreed to Stephen’s death. But the Lord repeats his plan and sends Paul away to far-off nations. This shows that rejection in one place does not stop God’s purpose and that Paul’s main work will be among people who are not Jews.

Question 7

What is the meaning of Jesus saying, "Why persecutest thou me"?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, “Why are you persecuting me?” he is speaking to Paul, who has been hunting down followers of “the Way.” The words show a close bond between Jesus and his people. To harm believers is to strike at their Lord. Paul thinks he is defending God, but Jesus reveals that Paul is actually fighting against him. This question exposes Paul’s mistaken zeal and begins his change of heart. It teaches that Jesus cares deeply for his church and takes their suffering as if it were done to him personally.

Question 8

Why is Paul’s past as a persecutor important to his story here?

Accepted Answer

Paul’s past shows how strong God’s grace is. He is honest that he hunted Christians, even to death, and that the high priest and elders can confirm this. He even reminds them that he stood by when Stephen was killed and agreed to it. This dark history makes it clear that Paul did not slowly drift into faith. Instead, God stopped him and turned him around. It helps his hearers see that a real change has happened and that the message he now carries did not come from human plans but from the Lord who met him.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s call to witness to Gentiles?

Accepted Answer

In the vision at the temple, Jesus tells Paul to depart because he will send him far away to the Gentiles. Earlier, Ananias had already said that Paul would be a witness to all people of what he had seen and heard. Together, these words show that God’s plan is not limited to one nation. Paul’s mission includes those outside Israel. This would have been hard for many in his audience to accept, but the passage shows that the idea did not start with Paul. It was God who chose him and sent him out to carry the message to other peoples.

Acts 22:1

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Paul’s Defense to the Crowd

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Acts 22:1

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

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Paul’s Defense to the Crowd

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