# Acts Chapter 22
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## Summarrium
Paul addresses the crowd offering his testimony in Hebrew and explaining his credentials as a zealous Jew. Paul highlights how he too had been in the position that many in the crowd too found themselves in; persecuting the way. Paul recalls his miraculous conversion and his turning towards Christ. The crowd to not interrupt until he points out his mission is to go to the Gentile which riles the crowd who insist Paul should not be permitted to live.

The Roman Tribune has Paul bound and ready to be 'examined' by flogging. Paul points out at this point that he is a Roman citizen by Birth and the Tribune immediately calls off the examination. Paul is therefore unbound by the Tribune and commands the Chief Priests and the Council to meet with Paul to understand the nature of this disturbance.

## Meditatio
Paul here offers an excellent performance in winsomeness. He begins by building credibility with the crowd. First addressing themselves in the Hebrew language, secondly pointing out his credentials and former endorsement by the Elders and High Priest for his persecution of the way. He then highlights his miraculous conversion as well as his involvement in the death of the first Christian martyr. He is a real contrast to Peter who does not pull his punches.

If we consider the times that Peter addresses the crowd in both [Acts 2](http://tilde.club/~chortle/log.php?type=faith&year=part4#acts-chapter-2) and [Acts 3](http://tilde.club/~chortle/log.php?type=faith&year=part4#acts-chapter-3); Peter isn't even trying to be nice[^1]. Paul on the other hand pulls his punches; he attempts to win over the crowd and convince them by explaining himself. 

Indeed it is only when he mentions his calling to the Gentiles that things really begin to fall apart. Old prejudices die hard and in Paul this is certainly the case. Whilst many Jews did believe in a coming Messiah and a resurrection from the dead (particularly the Pharisee's) others did not (such as the Saducees). As such it is only when he points out the last bastion of what delineates child of promise from the common dogs has passed do people lose it.

It's important to recognise that the Jewish religion is etho-centric; they as a people group were specifically chosen by God to be the fulfilment of covenantal promise.

Yet is is precisely Paul's suggestion that he a Jew has been sent to the Gentiles that is the source of outrage. Yet in precisely the same way that revelation redirected Saul in his position of Authority acting on behalf of the High Priest and Temple Elders to eliminate the way; so the revelation of Paul's citizenship changes the actions of the Roman Tribune. His citizenship, his identity who he is as a person is powerful enough to influence rulers.

[^1]: Just consider stating [Acts 3:15](http://tilde.club/~chortle/log.php?type=faith&year=part4#acts-chapter-3) to any human being you know. I mean seriously; it's *your* fault the author of life is dead is not something that should be claimed lightly.