Reading: Acts 20-22
But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you(Acts 21:39-40; 22:1).
Paul was in trouble. The elite Jewish population of Jerusalem was in an uproar and crying out for his blood. He had been branded a blasphemer and a traitor—to his race, to his religion, and even to God Himself. And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place (Acts 21:27- 28). He had been ‘rescued’ from near-certain death by Roman authorities responding to the uproar at the Temple. Believing him to be an Egyptian insurgent (21:38), The Romans had taken him into custody and led him away from the bloodthirsty mob.
Common sense would have had Paul keeping his head down and quietly acquiescing to the arrest. It would have been in his best interest to get as far away from the angry Jews as possible, thus giving them time to cool down and focus on other things. Paul’s focus, however, was not on his own safety. He had come to Jerusalem at the urgings of the Holy Spirit for the express purpose of ministering to those in need of a Savior, and he refused to be deterred from his mission. After receiving permission, Paul turned to address the crowd. He did not feel the need to justify himself to these people. He lived to please God, not man, so he did not waste time by pleading his case or attempting to convince them that he was not guilty of the things he was being accused of. Instead, he shared with them the greatest joy of his heart. In a strong and confident voice, he related how God had changed his life forever. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord (22:14-16).
While there are times that we are called upon to educate others on what God expects of His children, we are first and foremost called to bear witness to Him (Matt. 5:16). Through word and deed, we are to share with the world the difference He has made and is continuing to make in our day-to-day lives. Paul was a gifted theologian, but as he stood before the gathered Jews, he sought to enlighten, not educate. More than anything else, Paul wanted his hearers to look upon him and perceive the presence of Christ.
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul. I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue(Ps. 66:16-17).
Thought for Today: To lose yourself to anger in the face of ignorance of God is to lower yourself to that level of ignorance.
Word Studies:20:12 not a little = greatly; 21:15 took up our carriages = packed our baggage; 21:24 be at charges with them = pay their expenses.
Pray for StaffRyan McCrary • Government Official: Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA), Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX), Scott Fitzgerald (WI) • Country: Honduras (8,598,561) Central America • Major Languages: Spanish, Amerindian dialects • Religious Freedom • 97% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips (Prov. 16:23).