As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.”40And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:
22:1 “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.
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.
It’s hurricane season in Texas, and we’ve had our first of the season. Beryl was the earliest category 5 Gulf of Mexico hurricane ever recorded. When it hit our area it was down to a category 1, but it still managed to pack a significant wallop. At least 2 million people were without power, some 500,000 for more than 3 days. Repair trucks by the dozens are parked in school parking lots and other large staging areas still yet – a week after the storm. Some have wondered why it is taking so long to get their power restored. Others have said that CenterPoint (the company tasked with keeping electric transmission lines running) should have more people at the ready. Surely they knew it was the season, and the storm was coming. Theirs is a daunting job, but few would say they were ready in season, much less out of season.
Paul will write to Timothy, his young protégé in the faith, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul knew whereof he spoke. That is proved by this occasion when he is being rescued from being beaten in the Temple square. He’s being carried up the stairs by the soldiers. They suppose he is a rebel and are no doubt saving him only so that he could be put on trial, found guilty, and executed properly.
Talk about an out-of-season situation! This isn’t a Sabbath gathering in the synagogue. This isn’t an encounter with Greek philosophers asking to learn more about what Paul was teaching (cf. Acts 17). This isn’t a gathering of the believers in Antioch ready to hear about Paul’s mission trip. This isn’t the church council meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem to discuss the matter of Gentile believers. This is a mob scene. This is a spur-of-the-moment speech while being rescued by Roman soldiers. But Paul uses this as an opportunity to witness to God’s work in his life.
This is the second of three times Paul will recount the events leading to his conversion. The story is always the same – with new details added or omitted each time. But it goes like this: I was a violent persecutor of the Church and of people who followed Jesus. I was on my way to take more prisoners when I was struck down by a blinding light. Jesus spoke to me asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” I learned that Jesus was truly risen from the dead, that he has the power to transform a person’s life, as he did mine. He died for our sins and was raised from the dead. He can transform your life too.
In season or out of season, we may have an opportunity to give witness to Jesus’ work in our lives. When we do have that opportunity, we can honor God by declaring his glorious grace so that people can have their lives transformed by the Holy Spirit who points us always to Jesus, Son of God, Savior of the world.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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