Acts 22
“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”
2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:
3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.
4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’
And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.
10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’
And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’
11 And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him.
14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’
19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’
21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
22 Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this.
25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”
26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”
27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”
And he said, “Yes.”
28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.”
Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.
Don't we all listen much better when someone is speaking our language.
Photo Compiled by Investigation Bureau of Germany. I'd think it would be the compilation of the numerous icons of St. Paul. Usually, Paul looked more cheerful in the early Christian art.
Paul has a can do attitude.
He was willing to pull out his Ivy League education. Give the gold card of being educated at the feet of Gamaliel.
Paul heard Jesus speak to him, and Jesus saved Paul. Ananias, Jesus told to bring Paul the Light of Christ. Then Paul heard the Word of forgiveness. And Paul was granted a Way forward. God was speaking just as Paul needed the next step. We can do that - to rely upon Father God for the next step.
(Gamaliel was an interesting educator. He held sway with the Religious council. Saying that if they tampered with the apostles' message - they might be taking on God's will and by extrapolation, His wrath.)
Then Paul went on to say, God loves everyone. Not a popular message at that time. Today, the unpopular message would be - God loves holiness. Without Jesus Christ - no one can attain that or claim that. Only in faith, can we truly attain God's righteousness in Jesus. So many times we should listen to His word and we feel we can skate by. When we skate by, we do that under our own power.
Paul has a different beginning from the original Apostles. The Scriptures are so very real. The Disciples are sent Help for 40 days. Days with Jesus Christ. The Apostles knew Jesus and knew their own guilt. Jesus sends help immediately, Himself. Paul was in disgrace and become filled with the Holy Spirit of Salvation. Paul starts immediately. Paul is on top form almost immediately when his eyes were opened.
We go forth with purpose in hope of His Love.
A youth pastor said that he attended a day planner - saying we can plan all we want - it is up to God to bring that plan forth. People around us have needs we are unaware of. The event said - put your prayer out for God to direct you. Then we are sustained in our efforts instead of burned out.
Paul was not rigid and uptight. He understood with a heart of love for his listeners. His message was Jesus as Love. Not their plans. God's.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
Abba, Father God,
May Your deeds be shown to Your people, Your splendor to their children.
May Your favor rest on us; establish the work of our hands for You — yes, establish the work of our hands.
Help us do Your Will with joy and verve. We ask this for ourselves and our loved ones.
Help our Church Family, family, co-workers, friends and Nation to joyfully serve and please Jesus.
We pray for ourselves and the earth is Yours and the fullness thereof.
Help us to seek You first.
To have You dwell in us.
Our lives filled with Hope as we live in Your Way.
The Adventure.
Bless and fill those we Love.
Let Your Mercy fill the world in Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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