Acts 22

Good morning and welcome back. I hope you all enjoyed the weekend. Shot #2 went well- just really tired Saturday, but nothing major. Family was unable to gather- Morgan sent us a early Friday afternoon that there was a positive case in a client at her work and she didn't want to risk bringing anything to the family. So plans were ditched and trying to figure out another weekend for Morgan to finally meet her one-year old plus nephew! Ready to be back to a new normal soon!!

This chapter often times has the sub-title "Paul's Jerusalem Sermon" and it has an interesting ending! 

At the end of the previous chapter, Paul's audience for this sermon had just tried to kill him, thinking that he had profaned the temple by sneaking a Gentile in past the Court of the Gentiles. However, once the crowd knew that Paul was in Roman protection, and once Paul began to address them in Aramaic (v 2), they became quiet and ready to listen. Interesting how feelings can change when someone speaks your language-- or doesn't speak you language!

Paul begins laying out his ancestry, finding common ground between him and his antagonizers. A;though not born in the "Promised Land" he was brought up in Jerusalem at the feet of one of the most famous rabbis, Gamaliel. Paul had served the same God their ancestors did and makes sure to say he has not rejected Judaism (v 3), , even going as far as telling about his persecution of those people that followed "The Way" (v 4). The message from Paul is clear, "I understand why you have attacked me. I was once an attacker also. I understand where you are coming from." Paul had been a Christian for more than twenty years, but could still relate to those who were not Christians.

He tells a very intimate story of his transformation on the way to Damascus (v 5+). Paul describes the light that shined on him, the Light of Christ and in addition to being spiritually blinded, he was not physically blinded and needed help getting to the town. 

Paul notes that his transformation was aided by Ananias, a good Jew, and now a good Christian. Change can happen! It was Ananias that told Paul that he had been chosen by God to go and teach all people. The message from Paul is that good Jews can follow Christ and be in ministry.

Paul (v 17+) tells of a spiritual interaction with Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem. It is interesting that this is the only place we hear of this interaction; it doesn't seem to come up in any of Paul's other letters! Paul's Christian life was definitely founded on God's truth and seems to be less based on spiritual experiences. 

Paul made it clear that it was God that told him to preach to the Gentiles and not Paul's decision. However, the crowd wasn't having any of this!The mob that had tried to kill Paul, and had then listened intently to his whole sermon, erupted into rage when they heard that the people of the synagogues (v 19) would not listen! The Jewish mob was incensed that God's salvation could be given freely to believing Gentiles. Up until this point, the audience was good with the words Paul was saying. In their minds, they didn't mind all this talk about Jesus, but they could not stand the idea that God might save Jews and Gentiles alike and in the same way. These Jews of that day did not have a problem with Gentiles becoming Jews. But they were incredibly offended at the thought of Gentiles becoming Christians just as Jews became Christians, because it implied that Jews and Gentiles were equal, having to come to God on the same terms. Think of today, are "good people" offended that "sinners" can be saved too? Do "good people"want a gospel that will keep them separate from the "riffraff" of society.

The guard brings Paul to the commander. The guard, probably not knowing Aramaic, heard Paul addressing the crowd, everything was going fine, then a riot breaks out! When Paul explained, the guard must have thought it odd and offensive: All this rioting springing out of the hatred of Gentiles, people just like the commander himself.

The Roman guards were preparing Paul for a beating (v 24- 25). Paul likely had his hands tied with leather straps so his hands joined around a wooden pole and his back was totally exposed. He was ready for a brutal beating, one that would not stop until he had confessed to the crimes he was suspected of - but at that moment he announces his Roman citizenship.When this became known, the reaction was immediate. It was a grievous wrong to even bind a Roman citizen without due process, and they had already violated Paul's rights by binding him (Acts 21:33). 

The commander (v 28) renounces the citizenship, essentially saying, if you have enough money- anybody can be a Roman citizen! Paul goes on to reveal that he was born a citizen;  his parents (or grandparents) must have been awarded the rights of citizenship for some good done on behalf of Rome. We are unsure of how Paul's father or grandfather were granted Roman citizenship, but they must have done something valuable for Rome.  Paul was an extremely rare individual. It was uncommon to find such an educated, intelligent, devout Jew who was also a Roman citizen. God would use this unique background to use Paul in a special way. How is God using your unique background in a special way?

The Roman commander seems to be fair and wants to follow the rules and give Paul a fair trial, so there is a meeting set up with the Sanhedrin for the following day. The Sanhedrin was the Jewish "congress"; Paul would have the opportunity to speak before this same group that he was once a member of! So Paul now has the opportunity to speak before this distinguished group of men - and undoubtedly, he is assured in his heart that this is his opportunity of a lifetime, to preach to those he loves so much and knows so well - who knew how God might use it! 

Cliff hanger until tomorrow...unless you read ahead!!

Hope you enjoy today's reading and ;learn some new material about Rome and her interaction with Judaism.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul