John Calvin Commentary Acts 22:1

"Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you." — Acts 22:1 (ASV)

Though we may guess from the beginning of this speech what Paul’s intention was, yet because he was interrupted, we do not know for certain what he was about to say. The sum of that part which is recounted is this:

1. That since he was well and faithfully instructed in the doctrine of the law, he was publicly known as a godly and religious worshipper of God.
2. That he was an enemy to the gospel of Christ, so that he was considered among the priests one of the principal maintainers and defenders of the law.
3. That he did not change his sect rashly, but that being subdued and convicted by a divine revelation from heaven, he committed himself to Christ.
4. That he did not embrace unknown things, but that God appointed him a faithful teacher, from whom he learned all things perfectly.
5. That when he had returned to Jerusalem and sought to benefit his countrymen, God did not permit him, so that he brought the doctrine of salvation to Gentile nations not without careful thought, nor because he hated his own nation, but because he was commanded by God to do so.

Men, brethren, and fathers. It is a wonder that he still gives such great honor to the desperate enemies of the gospel, for they had broken every bond of brotherly fellowship and, by oppressing the glory of God, had stripped themselves of all titles of dignity. But because Paul speaks in this place as one of the people, he speaks so lovingly to the body itself and uses honorable words towards the leaders sincerely.

And surely, because their rejection was not yet made known, though they were unworthy of any honor, it was fitting that Paul should reverently acknowledge in them the grace of God’s adoption. Therefore, in calling them brethren and fathers, he is not so much concerned with what they had deserved, as with the degree of honor to which God had exalted them.

And all his speech is structured in such a way that he attempts to satisfy them—freely indeed, and without flattery, yet humbly and meekly.

Therefore, let us learn to reverence and honor people in such a way that we do not diminish God’s right. For this reason, the pope’s pride is all the more detestable. Since he has made himself a high priest without the commandment of God and the consent of the Church, he not only claims for himself all titles of honor but also such tyranny that he attempts to bring Christ into subjection, as if, when God exalts people, He would resign His right and authority to them and would stoop down to them.