Commentary on Acts 22:18

Acts 22:18 states, "And saw him saying unto me, 'Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.'

Contextual Background

This verse occurs during Paul's defense before the crowd in Jerusalem, where he recounts his dramatic conversion experience and calling to ministry. He emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine instruction, which resonates with the historical context of the early church facing hostility and persecution.

The Divine Command

The urgency expressed in the phrase "Make haste" signifies God's command for Paul to leave Jerusalem quickly. This is significant as it reveals the divine awareness of the hostile environment faced by Paul.

Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights that God's directives in tumultuous circumstances often require immediate action from the believer. This aligns with God's desire to protect His servants while also advancing His Gospel plan.

Understanding the Resistance

The reason for Paul's departure is explained in the latter part of the verse: "for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me." This foretells the rejection Paul would face, underscoring the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel in an unreceptive culture.

Albert Barnes points out that the "they" refers to the Jewish people in Jerusalem who had been hostile to the Gospel. This rejection reflects a broader theme throughout the Book of Acts, where the apostolic message often meets with resistance, especially from traditionalist elements within Judaism.

God's Sovereignty in Mission

This verse highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in the mission of His Church. The source of Paul's commissioning is God Himself, and His directive is both protective and purpose-driven.

Adam Clarke remarks that God's guidance is not just in the calling but also in the preservation of His messengers. This aspect of divine mission reinforces the notion that God is actively involved in the affairs of His servants.

The Role of Divine Warnings

The urgency of God's warning must not be overlooked. It serves as a reminder to all who minister that they must be attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Henry asserts that believers ought to be responsive to divine warnings, recognizing the necessity of discernment in their ministry work.

Practical Applications for Today's Church

This passage has significant implications for church leaders and members today.

• Preparedness for Opposition: Just as Paul faced rejection, modern believers should anticipate and prepare for resistance in their evangelistic efforts.
• Obedience to God’s Direction: The imperative for speed in God's command reminds contemporary Christians to act swiftly and faithfully in response to divine direction.
• Second Chances: While God instructed Paul to leave Jerusalem, He would later guide him back to areas of ministry that would bear fruit, emphasizing God’s redemptive purposes amidst hardship.
• Listening to the Spirit: In a world filled with distractions, maintaining an acute sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is vital for effective ministry.
• Emphasizing Prayer: Engaging in prayer and seeking God's will can help church leaders understand when to push forward and when to retreat.
• Building Resilience: The ability to endure rejection and opposition is crucial for believers, reflecting Christ’s own experiences while ministering on earth.
• Community Support: Encouragement and support from the Christian community can empower individuals facing rejection to remain steadfast in their calling.
• Understanding the Audience: Recognizing the cultural and spiritual barriers faced by those they minister to can aid believers in their communication of the Gospel.
• Stewardship of the Gospel: Every believer has the responsibility to faithfully communicate the Gospel, even when faced with resistance.
• Finding God’s Peace: Amidst opposition, believers can find peace in the assurance that God is aware of their challenges and is ultimately in control.
• Prophetic Insight: Understanding that God often reveals truth about our ministry context should encourage pastors and leaders to seek clarity through divine revelation.
• Encouragement to Others: Sharing personal testimonies of receiving divine guidance can empower fellow believers to remain faithful to their callings.
• Deepening Faith: Engaging with stories like Paul's can strengthen faith in God's providence and plan for each believer's life.
• The Call to Leave: Sometimes, following God's will requires leaving familiar places and people, which can be a profound test of faith.
• A Reminder of God’s Mercy: Throughout resistance, believers should remember God's mercy in their lives and His continuous call to His purposes, no matter how challenging.
• Perseverance in Ministry: Understanding that God sends His messengers with specific assignments reminds modern believers of the need to persevere, even as they encounter obstacles.
• Building Trust in God: The more believers are attuned to God's voice, the more they can trust Him in uncertain situations, exemplified by Paul’s readiness to obey.
• Challenging Complacency: Each believer is called to action; staying stagnant in faith can lead to missed opportunities, as highlighted in pastoral teachings from this passage.
• Clarity on Testimony: It is essential for believers to understand what their testimony entails and how to share it effectively, even in adverse settings.
• Seeking God's Will Together: Collective prayer and discernment in church leadership mirror the need for unity in following God’s direction.
• Spirit-Led Decisions: Leaders are reminded of the reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance in making crucial ministry decisions.
• Transformative Leadership: Leaders must embrace their roles not only as teachers but as guides who demonstrate faith in action, mirroring Paul's readiness in adversity.
• Faithfulness in Trials: Remaining faithful during trials, as Paul did, serves as a strong model for contemporary believers to emulate.
• Sensitivity to Change: Christian communities must remain sensitive to God's leading, particularly during times of transition and uncertainty.
• Hope in Restoration: Just as God’s plan for Paul involved future ministry opportunities, the Church is called to recognize that God’s plans for each individual are often deeply redemptive.
• Resilience in Faith: Emphasizing the need for perseverance amidst trials cultivates resilience in faith and spirit throughout the Church community.
• Culture of Discipleship: Understanding the dynamics of faith-sharing promotes a culture of discipleship that encourages spiritual growth.
• Intentional Apostolic Focus: Church leaders should prioritize an apostolic focus that mirrors Paul’s dedication to God’s calling, infusing their ministry with passionate purpose.
• Awareness of Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing that opposition can also be spiritual in nature enables a deeper understanding of prayer and reliance on God’s strength for fruitful ministry.
• Embodying a Testimony of Grace: Each believer has a unique testimony that embodies God’s grace, a vital aspect of evangelism that transcends mere words.
• Evangelistic Zeal: The followers of Christ are continuously encouraged to maintain zeal for evangelism, reflective of Paul’s burden to share the Gospel.
• The Necessity of Relying on Others: Engaging with fellow believers for prayer and support can significantly enhance individual strengths and witness efforts.
• The Call to Intercede: Just as Paul received warnings, believers are called to intercede for one another in prayer, seeking God’s guidance for challenging decisions in ministry.
• Celebrating the Fruits of Faithful Ministry: Recognizing and celebrating ministry wins encourages faithfulness, reflecting the joy of obedience and God’s goodness.
• Continuing to Trust God in Rejection: This passage reminds believers that even in the face of rejection, God’s plans remain unthwarted, prompting a hopeful and trust-filled response.
• Fostering Community in Ministry: Building strong community ties empowers individual members to engage collectively in ministry initiatives, echoing the mission Paul was given.
• Equipping for Resistance: Recognizing that ministry often comes with opposition prepares believers to face their challenges with confidence and grace.
• Always Moving Forward: Recognizing that God's call often leads us to unfamiliar terrains encourages a culture of moving forward in faith.
• Growth through Suffering: Adversity can lead to spiritual growth, echoing Paul’s experiences as a catalyst for the Gospel’s spread.
• Encouraging Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness: Sharing stories of divine guidance and provision can inspire those who face similar challenges in ministry.
• Vision-Driven Leadership: This passage exemplifies the need for leaders to have a clear vision driven by divine purpose to effectively lead congregations through challenges.
• Understanding Divine Timing: Recognizing that God’s timing can often differ from human expectations, leaders must exercise patience and faith, trusting that His plans will unfold at the right moment to achieve the best outcomes.