Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 22, verses 3-16
1 Paul declareth at large how he was converted to the faithMark, Chapter 16, verses 15-18
15 whom he sendeth forth to preach the gospel16
16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature - Our Lord speaks without any limitation or restriction.If therefore every creature in every age hath not heard it, either those who should have preached, or those who should have heard it, or both, made void the counsel of God herein. Mat 28:19.
16:16 And is baptized - In token thereof. Every one that believed was baptized. But he that believeth not - Whether baptized or unbaptized, shall perish everlastingly.
16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe - An eminent author sub - joins, "That believe with that very faith mentioned in the preceding verse." (Though it is certain that a man may work miracles, and not have saving faith, Mat 7:22-23.) "It was not one faith by which St. Paul was saved, another bywhich he wrought miracles. Even at this day in every believer faith has a latent miraculous power; (every effect of prayer being really miraculous;) although in many, both because of their own littleness of faith, and because the world is unworthy, that power is not exerted. Miracles, in the beginning, were helps to faith; now also they are the object of it.At Leonberg, in the memory of our fathers, a cripple that could hardly move with crutches, while the dean was preaching on this very text, was in a moment made whole." Shall follow - The word and faith must go before. In my name - By my authority committed to them. Raising the dead is not mentioned. So our Lord performed even more than he promised.
16:18 If they drink any deadly thing - But not by their own choice.God never calls us to try any such experiments.
22
22:3 I am verily - This defence answers all that is objected, Act 21:28. As there, so here also mention is made of theperson of Paul, Act 22:3, ofthe people and the law, Act 22:3, Act 22:5, Act 22:12; ofthe temple, Act 22:17; ofteaching all men, Act 22:15-17, Act 22:21; and ofthe truth of his doctrine, Act 22:6.But he speaks closely and nervously, in few words, because the time was short. But brought up at the feet of Gamaliel - The scholars usually sat on low seats, or upon mats on the floor, at the feet of their masters, whose seats were raised to a considerable height. Accurately instructed - The learned education which Paul had received was once no doubt the matter of his boasting and confidence. Unsanctified learning made his bonds strong, and furnished him with numerous arguments against the Gospel. Yet when the grace of God had changed his heart, and turned his accomplishments into another channel, he was the fitter instrument to serve God's wise and merciful purposes, in the defence and propagation of Christianity.
22:4 And persecuted this way - With the same zeal that you do now.Binding both men and women - How much better was his condition, now he was bound himself.
22:5 The high priest is my witness - Is able to testify. The brethren - Jews: so this title was not peculiar to the Christians.
22:6 About noon - All was done in the face of the sun. A great light shone - By whatever method God reveals himself to us, we shall have everlasting cause to recollect it with pleasure. Especially when he has gone in any remarkable manner out of his common way for this gracious purpose. If so, we should often dwell on the particular circumstances, and be ready, on every proper occasion, to recount those wonders of power and love, for the encouragement and instruction of others.
22:9 They did not hear the voice - Distinctly; but only a confused noise.
22:12 A devout man according to the law - A truly religious person, and though a believer in Christ, yet a strict observer of the law of Moses.
22:16 Be baptized, and wash away thy sins - Baptism administered to real penitents, is both a means and seal of pardon. Nor did God ordinarily in the primitive Church bestow this on any, unless through this means.