Acts 22:18

Commentary on Acts 22:18 (KJV)

Acts 22:18 is part of Apostle Paul's powerful defense speech before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem. In this verse, Paul recounts a vision he received from the Lord Jesus Christ shortly after his dramatic conversion on the Damascus Road. It reveals a direct divine instruction to leave Jerusalem, as his testimony would not be accepted there.

Context

This verse is embedded within Paul's third defense recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in chapter 22. Having been seized by a mob in the Temple and rescued by Roman soldiers, Paul is given permission to address the agitated crowd. He uses this opportunity to share his personal testimony, emphasizing his former zeal for Judaism and his radical encounter with the risen Christ. The vision described in Acts 22:18 occurred while he was praying in the Temple at Jerusalem, a place he deeply revered as a former Pharisee. The command to "Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem" was a prophetic warning that his efforts to evangelize his own people in that city would be met with rejection.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Guidance and Direction: The verse highlights God's active involvement in directing His servants. Jesus Himself appears to Paul, giving clear, urgent instructions about his next steps, demonstrating that Paul's ministry was not self-initiated but divinely appointed.
• Rejection of the Gospel: The Lord explicitly states, "they will not receive thy testimony concerning me." This was a painful truth for Paul, who deeply longed for his fellow Jews to accept Christ (Romans 9:1-3). It underscores the reality that even profound, Spirit-empowered witness can be met with hardened hearts.
• Strategic Relocation for Ministry: The command to leave Jerusalem was not a sign of failure but a strategic redirection of Paul's mission. This divine directive ultimately paved the way for Paul's extensive missionary journeys to the Gentiles, where God had already prepared hearts to receive the message.

Linguistic Insights

The word "testimony" here comes from the Greek word martyria (μαρτυρία), which means witness, evidence, or declaration. It signifies the authoritative and personal account Paul was giving about Jesus Christ based on his direct encounter. This term is also the root of our English word "martyr," indicating the profound and often costly nature of bearing witness to Christ.

Practical Application

Acts 22:18 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• Listen for God's Voice: Like Paul, we are called to be attentive to God's guidance, whether through Scripture, prayer, or circumstances. God often directs our paths, even when it means leaving familiar or comfortable situations.
• Prepare for Rejection: Not everyone will receive the message of Christ, even when presented with sincerity and power. This verse reminds us that rejection is not necessarily a sign of our failure but can be part of God's sovereign plan, redirecting us to more fruitful fields.
• Obey God's Redirection: Sometimes, God closes doors in one area to open them in another. Paul's obedience to leave Jerusalem, despite his desire to preach there, led to the spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. We must be willing to follow God's lead, even when it means shifting our focus or ministry location.