and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’
Christ gives Paul a reason for the command, not because God's word needs one, but to strengthen his obedience: Jerusalem will reject him. This was a bitter trial for one newly commissioned to preach throughout the world, now forbidden at the very start. Yet it was fit that the Lord's servant be humbled so that all gospel preachers learn to obey Christ wholly, ready to move to another place when excluded, never discouraged nor idle in their duty.
AI summary
Paul establishes he is no enemy to his nation but one of them, born free in a respectable city, educated under Gamaliel in the strictest learning of the law. His credentials were unimpeachable among the Jews themselves; what he now preaches comes not from rebellion against his people but from divine commission.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 22:3-21
Paul mentions his role in Stephen's death to show the Jews that he, of all people, must have seen compelling reasons to embrace this Way against every prejudice he once held. His zeal in guarding the garments of Stephen's killers made him a willing instrument in that murder; what stronger proof could he offer that his conversion was genuine?
AI summary