Acts 22:21 — Paul's Commission to the Gentiles

Acts 22:21 — Paul's Commission to the Gentiles

Ending his Third Missionary Journey on the shore of Miletus, the Apostle Paul exhorted the Ephesian elders to watch over the flock giving his example of faithfulness and endurance. His faithfulness and endurance would be tested as he journeyed to Jerusalem but especially when he arrived. There, although he was trying to make peace with Jews, extending an olive branch, by going to the Temple, taking a vow, and supporting other men who are taking a vow, to demonstrate that he is a faithful Jew, he was met by hostility. The mob at the Temple would have killed him had the Roman Commander not intervened.

Since the Commander could not figure out what was going on, he let Paul speak to the crowd hoping to get more information. Paul’s speech before the crowd was aimed at establishing his loyalty to his people and his nation. Since he was not able to accomplish that through his participation in the vow and worship in the Temple, he then tried speaking to the crowd. His speech began by establishing his zeal for Judaism (Acts 22:1–5). Then Paul explained how his encounter with the risen Messiah on the Road to Damascus created a sudden change in his life (Acts 22:6–11).

When he got to Jerusalem after his conversion and because of his love for his people, the first thing he attempted to do was to share the Gospel with them. Narrating his vision in the temple, where Christ commissioned him to go to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17–21), was Paul's attempt to justify his outreach outside of the Jewish nation. He was merely fulfilling the command of the risen Lord. He tried to argue with the Lord. Paul thought he was the most qualified to reach his people because everyone knew his zeal for Judaism. He thought they would know that only a revelation from God would make him believe that Jesus is the Messiah. However, the Lord knew that they would not accept his testimony.

We sometimes think we are qualified for a particular ministry because of our skills, talents, gifts, and abilities. However, although God will use all of those, we must first know what He is calling us to do and walk in obedience to that calling. Remember: God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Do you know what God is calling you to do?
Are you walking in obedience to that calling?