Bible Reading
Acts 22:1-21 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: “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. “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. “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.’ And 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.’ “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.”
[00:25]1 Corinthians 9:19-23 “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
[18:07]Acts 21:37-39 “As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.”
[14:55]Observation questions
- In Acts 21:37–39 and Acts 22:1–2, how does Paul communicate differently with the Roman commander and with the Jewish crowd, and how does the crowd respond when he speaks Aramaic? [14:55]
- What parts of Paul’s background does he mention before telling the crowd about meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus?
- What specific changes take place in Paul’s Damascus-road story, from his persecution of believers to his calling as a witness?
- According to 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, what goal drives Paul to become “all things to all people”? [18:07]
Interpretation questions
- Paul could have centered his defense on his education, Jewish heritage, or Roman citizenship, yet he centers it on Jesus changing his life. What does this show about what Paul believes has the power to truly change people? [23:12]
- Paul adapts his language and approach to his audience without changing the message of the gospel. What is the difference between wisely adapting how the gospel is shared and watering down what the gospel says? [24:49]
- Paul’s past as a persecutor is not hidden, but becomes part of his witness to Christ’s grace. How can an honest account of a believer’s past point people to Jesus rather than simply draw attention to the person?
- In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul freely chooses to serve others for the sake of the gospel. What might that kind of gospel-centered service look like in ordinary relationships, workplaces, teams, and neighborhoods? [19:16]
Application questions
- When pressure rises—at work, at home, online, or in conflict—what reactions tend to take control: impatience, anger, avoidance, fear, or the need to prove yourself? What would it look like to respond with a more calculated, kingdom-minded posture? [16:36]
- What “wild card” are you most tempted to rely on for security or influence—money, success, education, connections, reputation, ability, or control? How might that good gift have taken a place that belongs to Jesus? [27:40]
- Paul’s testimony focused on who he was before Christ, how Jesus met him, and what Jesus called him to do afterward. How would you share those three parts of your own story in a natural, brief way with someone who does not follow Jesus?
- When was the last time Jesus was clearly on your lips with someone outside the church? What relationship or setting is God already giving you this week where you could speak about His grace with humility and care? [29:14]
- Is there a person or group you have quietly decided is too resistant, too different, or too undeserving to hear about Jesus? How does Paul’s willingness to speak to a hostile crowd challenge that attitude? [30:24]
- What resource has God already placed in your hands—your work, home, skills, story, relationships, time, or influence—and how could you use it more intentionally for the good of someone else and the advance of the gospel? [36:14]
