Paul has been given permission by the Roman tribune to speak to the mob that wants to kill him. Suddenly the tumultuous clamor that has nearly overwhelmed the Roman cohort turns into a deafening hush when they hear their native Hebrew spoken:
“’I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished’” (Ac 22:3-5).
Recall that it is the Jews from Asia who first recognize Paul in the temple and sound the alarm. Perhaps the Jerusalem Jews, had they recognized Saul in his disguised, might not have joined the Asians in rioting? Surely many in this crowd would remember Saul, the chief inquisitor of the Jews! Paul continues:
“’As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And I answered, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, “What shall I do, Lord?” And the Lord said to me, “Rise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.” And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus’” (Ac 22:6-11).
Despite the mention of Jesus of Nazareth, the riot does not break out in furor again. Just as the heavenly light overpowers the sun on the Damascus Road, the Son and the Holy Spirit in perfect unity have overpowered Paul’s listeners. All remains quiet as he proceeds:
“’And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.” At that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, “The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name”’” (Ac 22:12-16).
Ananias had also been touched in perfect unity by the God of their fathers to deliver history-changing commands to Saul: receive, rise, be baptized; be forgiven; call on the name of Jesus of Nazareth!
“’When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him saying to me, “Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.” And I said, “Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him. And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles’”’” (Ac 22:17-21).
What in these words causes the Jews to erupt again in violence? Gentiles! Give him the same treatment as we gave Stephen! Be done with this whole mess!
Madness reigns.
Much as we see today.
Hurry back!