Acts 22:22-29 - Homilies By E. Johnson

Damager and deliverance.

At length the latent envy of the Jewish audience breaks forth. "Away with such a man from the earth!"

I. DANGER INCURRED IN WITNESS FOR THE TRUTH , ( Acts 22:22-27 .) The wild force of fanaticism has to be encountered again and again. These scenes are a warning against fostering it. It dishonors God, under the pretext of jealousy for his honor; ill treats the innocent; disgraces itself, turning men into wild beasts.

II. DIVINE DELIVERANCE OF THE SERVANT OF GOD .

1. It is brought about by the right feeling of the Roman captain, together with the civil privileges of the apostle. And he obtains a new opportunity for self-justification.

2. It tends to illustrate his character. The violence offered to him elicits a gentle and lowly reply ( Acts 22:25 ; John 18:23 ). Outwardly ill treated, he remains inwardly unhurt. Momentarily trodden in the dust, he rises to eternal honors.

III. THE NOBILITY OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD . It is acquired by the new birth. It is sealed by the Spirit of God. It is proved by trial, conflict, and affliction. It appears in full glory in the heavenly state. Their privileges are—exemption from fear in the presence of the powers of this world; inviolate safety from the violence of evil men; independence of the judgment of the world. "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be."—J.