aul's account of his conversion. (1-11) Paul directed to
preach to the Gentiles. (12-21) The rage of the Jews Paul pleads
that he is a Roman citizen. (22-30)
Verses 1-11: The apostle addressed the enraged multitude, in the
customary style of respect and good-will. Paul relates the
history of his early life very particularly; he notices that his
conversion was wholly the act of God. Condemned sinners are
struck blind by the power of darkness, and it is a lasting
blindness, like that of the unbelieving Jews. Convinced sinners
are struck blind as Paul was, not by darkness, but by light.
They are for a time brought to be at a loss within themselves,
but it is in order to their being enlightened. A simple relation
of the Lord's dealings with us, in bringing us, from opposing,
to profess and promote his gospel, when delivered in a right
spirit and manner, will sometimes make more impression that
laboured speeches, even though it amounts not to the full proof
of the truth, such as was shown in the change wrought in the
apostle.
Verses 12-21: The apostle goes on to relate how he was confirmed in the
change he had made. The Lord having chosen the sinner, that he
should know his will, he is humbled, enlightened, and brought to
the knowledge of Christ and his blessed gospel. Christ is here
called that Just One; for he is Jesus Christ the righteous.
Those whom God has chosen to know his will, must look to Jesus,
for by him God has made known his good-will to us. The great
gospel privilege, sealed to us by baptism, is the pardon of
sins. Be baptized, and wash away thy sins; that is, receive the
comfort of the pardon of thy sins in and through Jesus Christ,
and lay hold on his righteousness for that purpose; and receive
power against sin, for the mortifying of thy corruptions. Be
baptized, and rest not in the sign, but make sure of the thing
signified, the putting away of the filth of sin. The great
gospel duty, to which by our baptism we are bound, is, to seek
for the pardon of our sins in Christ's name, and in dependence
on him and his righteousness. God appoints his labourers their
day and their place, and it is fit they should follow his
appointment, though it may cross their own will. Providence
contrives better for us than we do for ourselves; we must refer
ourselves to God's guidance. If Christ send any one, his Spirit
shall go along with him, and give him to see the fruit of his
labours. But nothing can reconcile man's heart to the gospel,
except the special grace of God.
Verses 22-30: The Jews listened to Paul's account of his conversion,
but the mention of his being sent to the Gentiles, was so
contrary to all their national prejudices, that they would hear
no more. Their frantic conduct astonished the Roman officer, who
supposed that Paul must have committed some great crime. Paul
pleaded his privilege as a Roman citizen, by which he was
exempted from all trials and punishments which might force him
to confess himself guilty. The manner of his speaking plainly
shows what holy security and serenity of mind he enjoyed. As
Paul was a Jew, in low circumstances, the Roman officer
questioned how he obtained so valuable a distinction; but the
apostle told him he was free born. Let us value that freedom to
which all the children of God are born; which no sum of money,
however large, can purchase for those who remain unregenerate.
This at once put a stop to his trouble. Thus many are kept from
evil practices by the fear of man, who would not be held back
from them by the fear of God. The apostle asks, simply, Is it
lawful? He knew that the God whom he served would support him
under all sufferings for his name's sake. But if it were not
lawful, the apostle's religion directed him, if possible, to
avoid it. He never shrunk from a cross which his Divine Master
laid upon his onward road; and he never stept aside out of that
road to take one up.
aul's account of his conversion. (1-11) Paul directed to
preach to the Gentiles. (12-21) The rage of the Jews Paul pleads
that he is a Roman citizen. (22-30)