Imprisoned in Jerusalem (Acts 21:18-23:35), continued:

“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense” (Acts 22:1-21), continued:

• Acts 22:17-21 – This is the first mention we have of this trance. It is clear that Paul’s travels were being directed from heaven.

“A Roman and uncondemned” (Acts 22:22-30)

• Acts 22:25 – Paul used a legal defense, which is an example for us today. If we can use legal means to prevent persecution, we are permitted to do so.

“Paul, looking intently at the Council …” (Acts 23:1-11)

• Acts 23:1 – Compare Acts 26:9. Paul thought he was doing right even while he was doing wrong. We must be careful – we can all make the same mistake!
• Acts 23:3 – “Whitewashed wall” is probably referring to hypocrisy on the part of Ananias. A whitewashed wall appears clean, but it is only a superficial appearance.
• Acts 23:5 – This could have been sarcasm on Paul’s part. He is seeing that Ananias was not behaving in the manner of a high priest. Ananias also was not the legal high priest according to the Old Law – Caiaphas was.
• Acts 23:6-9 – This was a clever tactic by Paul that resulted in at least part of the council siding with him. See Acts 4:1-2.

From Jerusalem to Caesarea (Acts 23:12-35)

• Acts 23:16 – This is the only mention we have of Paul’s family. We know that his parents were Pharisees, but not much else.

Imprisoned in Caesarea (Acts 24-26)

Felix (Acts 24)

• Acts 24:1-8 – Yet another version of the events! Compare Acts 23:26-30. Paul is now firmly established as an influential Christian.