I N D E X
154
CHAPTER 17
From Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 22:1 to 28:22)
The section as a whole, and Paul's opening speech (Acts 22:1-22)
With this speech, made by Paul to the assembled throng in the Temple area, we commence the great section of
the Acts which leads from Jerusalem to Rome; to the rejection of Israel and the suspension of their hope; to the
prison ministry of the apostle and to the revelation of the Mystery. While, therefore, the whole record of the Acts -
being Scripture, and dealing as it does with the opening years of Christian testimony - must be of the greatest
importance to all believers, this closing portion is of particular interest to all those who, by grace, realize the change
of dispensation with which this imprisonment of Paul is associated.
Before we examine the apostle's speech, we must obtain a view of the section as a whole (Acts 22 to 28). We
discover that it preserves the record of several of Paul's speeches, not only to the Jews at Jerusalem, as in the
opening section, but also to the Jews at Rome, in the closing section, and in between these two we have recorded the
utterances before the two Roman Governors, Felix and Festus, and also the defence before King Agrippa.
The structure reveals the organic oneness of this great section. We observe two recurring items.
(1) A pointed reference to hope (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6,7; 28:20).
(2) A testimony to the apostle's innocence (Acts 23:29; 25:11,25; 26:31; 28:18).
Moreover, in every case where the apostle is permitted to plead he refers not only to his doctrine but to his
manner of life. Before proceeding further we must set out the structure of this whole section in order that these
items may be given their rightful place.
Acts 22:1 to 28:22
From Jerusalem to Rome
a Manner of life. Law of fathers,
A1 22 to 23
Pharisee.
  HOPE
b
To Jews
Damascus. Conversion and
at
Commission. Light.
of
Saul! Saul! Gentiles.
Resurrec-
Jerusalem.
  tion.
c
The Lord stood by me.
Good cheer.
B1 FINDING OF LYSIAS. - Nothing worthy of
death or bonds.
  HOPE
A2 24 to 25:22. Manner of life. Sect. Heresy.
To Felix
of
Resurrec-
and Festus.
  tion.
B2 FINDING OF FESTUS. -
Nothing worthy of death.
A3 25:23 to 28:15. a Manner of life.
To Agrippa.
Straightest sect.
Pharisee.
  HOPE
b Damascus. Conversion and
twofold commission. Light
of
Twelve
Saul! Saul! Gentiles.