Scripture Reading: Acts 21:37–22:1

Introduction

A. When Paul stood before the crowd in Jerusalem, he was hoping for a fair hearing, but he didn’t get one.

B. Paul’s defense demonstrates that he understood their concerns even if they failed to understand what he had to say.

Discussion

I. Paul’s defense should have cleared up any misunderstandings.

A. Paul demonstrated that he had not forgotten who he was or where he came from (Acts 22:1–5).

B. Paul proceeds to explain the reasons for his conversion (Acts 22:6–16).

C. Paul then explains why he hadn’t returned to Jerusalem right away to explain his conversion (Acts 22:17–21).

II. Listening can be the most frightening experience of all.

A. It is true that there are times when we shouldn’t listen (Acts 5:29).

B. As was the case with David (2 Samuel 12:13) and Apollos (Acts 18:24), it would have taken a lot of courage to listen sympathetically to Paul during this speech.

C. If you are willing to listen, Jesus promises that your house will stand sure (Matthew 7:24–25).

Conclusion

A. Even if you don’t have a hearing problem, you still have a listening problem, and that is much more serious.

B. God has spoken. Are you listening?