Acts 22:1

CHAPTER XXII.

Paul, in his address to the people, gives an account of his

birth and education, 1-3.

His prejudices against Christianity, 4, 5.

And of his miraculous conversion, and call to the apostleship,

6-21.

The Jews, hearing him say that God had sent him to preach the

Gospel to the Gentiles, become exceedingly outrageous, and

clamour for his life, 22, 23.

The chief captain orders him to be examined by scourging; but

he, pleading his privilege as a Roman citizen, escapes the

torture, 24-29.

The next day the chief captain brings Paul before the chief

priests and their council, 30.

NOTES ON CHAP. XXII.

Verse Acts 22:1. Men, brethren, and fathers] A Hebrew form of expression for brethren and fathers: for two classes only are addressed. Acts 7:2.

Hear ye my defense] Μου της απολογιας, This apology of mine; in this sense the word apology was anciently understood: hence the Apologies of the primitive fathers, i.e. their defenses of the Christian religion. And this is as proper literal meaning; but it is now used only as implying an excuse for improper conduct. That this is an abuse of the term requires no proof.