What is the meaning of Acts 22:18? Saw the Lord • Paul recounts that, while praying in the temple, he “saw the Lord” (Acts 22:17-18). • This was not imagination or dream; it was the risen Jesus personally appearing, just as on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8). • Scripture shows that such theophanies propel God’s servants into specific assignments—think of Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:1-8) and Ezekiel’s (Ezekiel 1:28–2:3). • The Lord’s initiative underscores that Paul’s gospel and his calling are divine, not self-chosen (Galatians 1:11-12). Hurry! • The first word Jesus speaks is urgent: “Hurry!”. • God often presses His people to swift obedience when danger or strategic timing is involved—Lot fleeing Sodom (Genesis 19:15-17), Joseph taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14). • Delay could cost Paul his life and hinder the spread of the gospel to Gentile regions that still awaited the message (Romans 15:19-24). • Urgency is a reminder that obedience is measured in minutes, not months (Psalm 119:60). Leave Jerusalem quickly • Jerusalem was the heart of Paul’s own heritage, yet Jesus directs him away. • Earlier, believers helped Paul escape another assassination attempt there (Acts 9:29-30); the pattern repeats because the hostility remains. • Like the disciples who were told to shake the dust off and move on when rejected (Matthew 10:14-15), Paul is to steward his time where the harvest is ripe. • God’s plan always includes place as well as task (Acts 16:6-10 shows the same principle). The people here will not accept your testimony about Me • Despite Paul’s impeccable Jewish credentials (Philippians 3:4-6) and his heartfelt desire for Israel’s salvation (Romans 9:1-3), Jesus foreknows the hardness of that particular audience. • The statement echoes John 1:11 (“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him”) and reminds us that rejection of God’s messengers is sadly common (Luke 13:34). • Paul must accept that results rest with God; his role is faithfulness, not forcing conversions (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • The refusal in Jerusalem contrasts with the openness Paul will meet among Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48), fulfilling Jesus’ promise that he is “a chosen vessel…to carry My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15). summary Acts 22:18 reveals a personal encounter in which Jesus gives Paul urgent, protective, and strategic instructions. The Lord’s appearance validates Paul’s calling; the command to hurry underscores immediate obedience; the directive to leave shows God’s sovereign placement of His servants; and the forewarning of rejection frees Paul from discouragement while guiding him toward fruitful Gentile ministry. |
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