Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 22

Chapter 22

Men, brethren, and fathers. This defense was addressed to the Jews, and Paul began it with an expression of sincere respect for them. Stephen began his defense with the same form of address (see Barnes on Acts 7:2).

My defense. Against the charges brought against me. Those charges were that he had endeavored to prejudice men everywhere against the Jews, the law, and the temple (Acts 21:28). In order to meet this charge, Paul stated:

1. That he had been born a Jew and had enjoyed all the advantages of a Jewish education (Acts 22:3).
2. He recounted the circumstances of his conversion and the reason why he believed that he was called to preach the gospel (Acts 22:4–16).
3. He proceeded to state the reasons why he went among the Gentiles and evidently designed to vindicate his conduct there (Acts 22:17–21).

   But at this point, at the name Gentiles, his defense was interrupted by the enraged multitude, and he was not permitted to proceed.

   What would have been his defense, therefore, had he been allowed to finish it, it is impossible to know with certainty.

   On another occasion, however, he was permitted to make a similar defense, and perhaps to complete the train of thought which he had purposed to pursue here (see Acts 26).

Born in Tarsus. See Barnes' Notes on Acts 21:39.

Brought up in this city. In Jerusalem, sent there for the advantage of more perfect instruction in the law.

At the feet of Gamaliel. As a scholar or disciple of Gamaliel. The phrase, to sit at the feet of one, is expressive of the condition of a disciple or learner (Luke 10:39). It is probable that the expression arose from the fact that the learners occupied a lower place or seat than the teacher. The phrase is expressive of humility and a lower condition. On the character and rank of Gamaliel, see Barnes' Notes on Acts 5:34.

Paul mentions his having been instructed in this manner, in order to show that he was entitled to the full privilege of the Jew, and that he had every opportunity to become fully acquainted with the nature of the law.

According to the perfect manner. Kata akribeian. By strict diligence or exact care; or in the utmost rigor and severity of that instruction. No pains were spared to make him understand and practice the law of Moses.

The law of the fathers. The law of our fathers; that is, the law which they received and handed down to us. Paul was a Pharisee; and the law in which he had been taught was not only the written law of Moses but the traditional law which had been handed down from former times. See Barnes' Notes on Matthew 3:6.

And was zealous towards God. Galatians 1:14. He had a constant burning zeal for God and his law, which was expressed not only by scrupulous adherence to its forms, but by persecuting all who opposed it (Acts 22:4–5).

And I persecuted (Acts 8:3).

This way. This refers to those who worshipped God in this way; that is, Christians (see Barnes on Acts 9:2).

Unto the death. Intending to put them to death, he probably did not put anyone to death himself. Instead, he committed them to prison, sought their lives, and was the agent employed in arresting them. And when they were put to death, he tells us that he gave his voice against them (Acts 26:10); that is, he joined in and approved of their condemnation.

Delivering into prisons, etc. (Acts 8:3).

As also the High Priest, etc.

All the estate of the elders. Greek, All the presbytery; that is, the whole body of the sanhedrim, or great council of the nation.

Unto the brethren. The Jewish brethren, who were at Damascus. Paul here speaks as a Jew, and regards his countrymen as his brethren.

As I made my journey. As I was on my journey.

About noon. Acts 26:13. At mid-day. This circumstance is omitted by Luke in his account in Acts 9. Paul mentions it, as more remarkable because it occurred at mid-day, to show that he was not deluded by any meteoric or natural appearances, which usually occur at night.

See Barnes on Acts 9:3.

And also on Acts 9:4-7.

Note the terms "journey" and "journeyed."