Acts 22

v1-2: "Everyone who is accused has a right to defend themselves, and justice is not done them if their defence is not listened to patiently and impartially."

v3-21: The duty of the gospel is the call on the name of the Lord Jesus, acknowledging Him to be our Lord and our God.  "We must seek the forgiveness of our sins in Christ's name, and in dependence on him and his righteousness."

v22-30: We must be thankful for human laws and justice, "even when they have given no support or special protection to God's people and ministers," because they "restrain the rage of unreasonable, law-breaking evildoers, who otherwise would know no limits."  Here is a reason to pray for those in authority.

Acts 23

v1-5: Pleasing God was Paul's great aim and desire.  He lived his life before God, "living with an awareness that he was in his sight and under his eyes, and looking to him."  He was careful about what he said and did, refraining from doing evil and faithful in doing what is good, "persevering in this way of life."  This is how we are to please God.

v6-11: It should encourage us to know that while we are alive, there still remains much good for us to do in order to serve Christ.

v12-35: "To incline to do evil, and intend to do it, is bad enough, but to commit oneself on oath to do it is far worse.  This is entering into covenant with the Devil; it is swearing allegiance to the prince of darkness; it is leaving no room for repentance; indeed, it is defying it."