David Bahn – Reflections

Acts 22:1-5

“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”

2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. [The remainder of this account may be found below]

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 a Lutheran Social Services counselor went to Ground Zero, put up a sign that read, “Tell Me Your Story”, and had people lined up from morning to evening simply telling the story of their experiences during and after the attacks. Everyone has a story: even those who say they have no story have a story to share. It may not be as traumatic as those of the 9/11 attacks, or as dramatic as Paul’s conversion. But sit with someone over time and you will certainly soon hear his or her story.

Luke tells of Paul’s conversion three times in his book of Acts. First in chapter 9 he traces the events surrounding the persecution of the early church, climaxing with Saul’s trip to Damascus and conversion along the way. Now, here in Acts 22, Paul tells the story himself, as he will, again, before King Agrippa as recorded in chapter 26. On this occasion Paul is speaking to a Jewish audience, and in the opening verses he lays out his Jewish credentials, and sets up the events that surrounded his dramatic conversion.

The rest of the story is testimony to the far-reaching grace of God. For the Lord reached not only to Paul, but through him, “far away to the Gentiles.” In reaching to Paul, it was necessary to humble him, so he was blinded on the road to Damascus, and put into a situation of helplessness. He was led by the hand to a place where Ananias told him:

“Brother Saul, receive your sight.” And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, “The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”

Paul’s forced encounter with humility was a prelude to the happy experience of God’s grace. Restoration of sight, forgiveness of sins, and faith now centered in the name of Jesus are the deep and rich wells from which the water of life will flow. Jesus’ had promised, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38). Paul is living out that promise as he shares the gospel message with people far and near. God’s grace also reaches through Paul to others.

We may think that our story is either too dull (most of our stories are quite mundane), or too painful (some of our stories we would rather forget). But God works in the midst of everyday life just as he does through drama and turmoil. Often, furthermore, in the times of pain and difficulty our witness to God’s presence and grace rings with sweet clarity.

When we learn to see God’s presence, far-reaching grace, and providential care for us in all of life, we are best prepared to bear witness to others. People love stories. Who needs to hear your story today?

Acts 22:6-20

6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”