Acts 22: Paul's Transforming Encounter and Bold Witness

What a joy it is to see how God is moving, not just here in Centurion, but across the world—in Lusaka, in Paris, and in every city and village. We are a sent people, called to participate in God’s mission both near and far. Today, we celebrated the dedication of little Vhutali, reminding us that every life is a gift from God, and that we, as a community, are called to walk alongside one another, raising the next generation in the ways of the Lord.

Turning to Acts 22, we find Paul in Jerusalem, facing a hostile crowd. Despite being beaten and nearly killed, Paul’s heart burns with a desire for his own people to know Jesus. He asks to speak to the very crowd that just tried to destroy him. Paul’s approach is deeply relational—he speaks their language, reminds them of his shared heritage, and recounts his own zealous past. He doesn’t distance himself from them; instead, he identifies with their passion and their struggle, showing that transformation is possible for anyone.

Paul’s story is a powerful testimony of God’s grace. Once a persecutor of Christians, he is radically changed by an encounter with Jesus. He doesn’t wait until he’s “got it all together” to share his story; he simply points to what God has done in him. This is a challenge to us: are we willing to be honest about our own stories, to relate to those who are still far from God, and to trust that God is working in us even as He works through us?

Paul’s obedience is striking. Even when God’s instructions don’t make sense to him—even when he thinks he knows a better way—he says yes. He goes where God sends him, even to people he never expected to reach. The gospel, Paul insists, is for everyone: Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider, the “good” and the “bad.” No one is beyond the reach of God’s transforming power.

We are reminded that the mission continues. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Paul is available to us. We are called to bear witness to what God has done in our lives, not by our own strength, but by the power of the Spirit. As we go out, we carry this message to our families, our friends, our workplaces, and beyond. The invitation is simple: come as you are, let Jesus do the work, and share the miracle of His grace with others.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Transformation Begins with Honest Encounter True change starts when we honestly face Jesus and admit where we’ve been wrong—even about deeply held beliefs. Paul’s willingness to acknowledge his error and submit to Christ’s revelation is a model for us. We don’t need to “clean ourselves up” before coming to God; He meets us where we are and does the transforming work. [25:14]
• 2. Your Story is a Bridge, Not a Barrier Paul didn’t hide his past; he used it to connect with those who needed the gospel most. Our own stories—failures, struggles, and all—can be the very thing God uses to reach others. We are most effective when we remember where we came from and allow God’s ongoing work in us to speak to those still on the journey. [22:01]
• 3. The Gospel is for Everyone, Without Exception The crowd was willing to listen until Paul mentioned the Gentiles. God’s grace, however, knows no boundaries. We must resist the temptation to limit God’s love to those who look, think, or act like us. The gospel is radically inclusive, and we are called to extend it to all, even those we find hardest to love. [40:35]
• 4. Obedience Over Preference Paul’s plans seemed logical, but God’s call led him elsewhere. True discipleship means saying yes to God’s direction, even when it disrupts our own ideas or comfort. Obedience is the pathway to fruitfulness, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to follow wherever Jesus leads. [37:05]
• 5. The Mission Continues Through the Spirit’s Power We are not left to fulfill God’s mission in our own strength. The same Spirit who filled Paul is available to us, equipping us to witness boldly and live transformed lives. Our effectiveness depends not on our ability, but on our willingness to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. [45:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:15] - Global Mission Updates: Lusaka & Paris
• [04:32] - Baby Dedication: Vhutali’s Blessing
• [06:26] - Introduction to Acts Series
• [07:45] - Paul’s Obedience and Calling
• [09:06] - Setting: Jerusalem and the Angry Crowd
• [11:02] - Paul’s Arrest and Plea to Speak
• [12:13] - The Power of Speaking Their Language
• [14:08] - Paul’s Identity and Zeal
• [16:08] - Paul’s Jewish Heritage and Credentials
• [19:56] - Relating to Those Far from God
• [22:01] - The Power of Personal Testimony
• [23:51] - Paul’s Encounter with Jesus
• [25:14] - Admitting When We’re Wrong
• [27:55] - Grace Over Self-Cleansing
• [29:20] - Obedience in Uncertainty
• [31:17] - The Call to Be a Witness
• [34:32] - Paul’s Return to Jerusalem
• [37:05] - God’s Direction vs. Our Plans
• [40:35] - The Gospel for All
• [43:58] - Invitation: Come As You Are
• [45:20] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
• [47:40] - Prayer for Boldness and Sending Out
• [48:19] - Fellowship and Next Steps

Bible Reading

Acts 22:1-21 (ESV) — > 1 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”
> 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:
> 3 “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.
> 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,
> 5 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.
> 6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.
> 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
> 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
> 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.
> 10 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.’
> 11 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.
> 12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,
> 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him.
> 14 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;
> 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.
> 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
> 17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
> 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’
> 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you.
> 20 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.’
> 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Observation Questions

1. What reasons does Paul give the crowd to show that he understands them and shares their background? ([15:25])
2. How does Paul describe his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? What immediate changes happen in his life as a result? ([23:51])
3. What is the crowd’s reaction when Paul mentions being sent to the Gentiles, and why is this significant? ([38:32])
4. According to the sermon, what role does Ananias play in Paul’s story, and how does this support Paul’s message to the crowd? ([30:35])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul choose to speak in the crowd’s own language and emphasize his shared heritage with them? What does this reveal about his approach to sharing the gospel? ([14:08])
2. The sermon highlights that Paul admits he was wrong about Jesus. Why is it important for transformation to begin with honest self-examination and humility? ([25:14])
3. The crowd is willing to listen to Paul until he says the gospel is for the Gentiles. What does this reveal about the boundaries people sometimes put on God’s grace? ([40:35])
4. Paul obeys God’s direction even when it doesn’t make sense to him. What does this teach about the relationship between obedience and personal preference in following Jesus? ([37:05])

Application Questions

1. Paul uses his own story—including his failures—to connect with others. Is there a part of your story that you’ve been hesitant to share? How might God use your past to reach someone who is far from Him? ([22:01])
2. The sermon challenges us to be honest about where we’ve been wrong, even about deeply held beliefs. Is there an area in your life where you need to admit you were wrong and let Jesus transform you? What’s holding you back? ([25:14])
3. Paul’s obedience meant going where God sent him, even when it was uncomfortable or unexpected. Is there something God is asking you to do that doesn’t fit your plans or preferences? What would it look like to say “yes” to God this week? ([37:05])
4. The crowd struggled to accept that the gospel was for everyone, not just people like them. Are there people or groups you find it hard to believe God’s grace is for? How can you take a step toward loving or reaching out to them? ([40:35])
5. The sermon says, “Come as you are, let Jesus do the work.” Do you ever feel like you need to “clean yourself up” before coming to God or church? How can you remind yourself and others that God meets us where we are? ([25:55])
6. The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to live boldly and share his story. In what area of your life do you need the Spirit’s power to be a witness? What is one practical way you can ask for and rely on the Holy Spirit this week? ([45:20])
7. The mission continues through us. Who is one person in your family, workplace, or community that you can intentionally share the miracle of God’s grace with this month? What’s your next step? ([46:28])