Acts 22:18

Make haste. Chapter 9:29, 30 states only that the disciples sent him away. The plot against Paul’s life (v. 29) convinced them that Paul should leave the city without delay. With a burden on his heart for the unbelieving Jews (cf. Rom. 9:1-3; 10:1) and with his characteristic unconcern for his personal safety (cf. Acts 19:30; 20:22-24; 2 Cor. 4:7-9; 11:24-27), Paul apparently felt it his duty to remain in the city (AA 130). There are times when the gospel messenger should disregard threatening circumstances, but there are other times when, persecuted in one city, he should flee to another (see on Matt. 10:23). When pressed, seemingly beyond measure, he must look to God for a clear understanding of duty. Thus it was with Paul upon this occasion, for, to the counsel of the brethren, God added direct and specific instructions. Paul had not been called to labor primarily for Jews, but for Gentiles (Acts 22:21; Gal. 2:7-9), and the purposes of God would best be served by his departure. For similar instances of divine guidance added to the counsel of the brethren, compare Ex. 18:17-25 with Num. 11:16; Acts 15:2 with Gal. 2:2; see Acts 13:2-4; 15:28.