Acts 22

“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you” (22:1).  Paul was seized in Jerusalem’s Temple by a rioting crowd and then taken into custody by Roman soldiers.  He explained to his Jewish “brothers and fathers” that Jesus was sent by the God of Israel to bring salvation and had appeared to him. However, the mob grew furious when Paul declared that this salvation was also for the Gentiles (v21). Neither the Roman government nor the Jewish crowds recognized Jesus’ authority.

“I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting” (v8). Any authority whose influence competes with Jesus – religious, secular, or personal – becomes an idol. Jesus calls us to follow Him alone as Lord.