Category: Acts

Read Acts 24:1-27

Two years! What a long time to be in prison. Although it sounds like Paul has it pretty nice for being in jail. At least he is safe from his accusers. And, like Paul always does, he is not wasting an opportunity to witness and share with Felix and his wife. I wouldn’t expect any less.

I don’t think I can say that I’ve been that transparent in my life. I have certainly never been in jail or suffered to any extent for my faith. Have I lost friends or gotten people angry with me? Probably. But there are other times I just avoided the faith conversation due to lack of time or feeling inferior at the moment. Continue reading “Acts 24:1-27 – You Are Loved – Talk About It”

Read Acts 23:12-35

We don’t always get timestamps in our Bible accounts, but here we do. Today’s reading happens the day after Paul tried to talk reason to the angry Jews. Remember how the commander rescued him and put him in the fortress? The people’s anger wouldn’t just dissipate, but it seemed to have escalated. At least for this group who have made an oath not to eat or drink until they kill Paul. It seems crazy to me. They had quite a plan. But God had his angels in place to prevent it getting in the way of his plan. God’s plans will always trump the enemy’s plans.

Thankfully Paul was in protective custody which allowed family members to visit and bring food and other amenities. It seems those guarding him were also on his side. They were a bit perplexed at why these people were so full of anger and hatred toward Paul. Continue reading “Acts 23:12-35 – God’s Protection”

Read Acts 22:30-Acts 23:11

Paul was again using his times of persecution to witness. Today Paul is given the opportunity to appear before the Jewish high council. There are some interesting exchanges that take place during today’s reading. Paul was able to discern that some were Pharisees and some Sadducees. There are some distinct differences in belief systems of these two Jewish groups. Paul used these to drive a wedge of sorts between the leaders present that day.

Did you find it funny it was the commander who stepped back in to rescue Paul from these leaders? Paul had created quite a stir. We remember that all of this anger and fear relates back to false stories. From what we know of Paul, he would never teach against his Jewish heritage. To the contrary, he would be looking for ways to bridge his new belief in Jesus as Lord with all he has known his whole life. A Pharisee who has seen the light. Literally. Continue reading “Acts 22:30-Acts 23:11 – Be Recognizable”

Read Acts 22:24-29

I don’t think the commander is connecting the dots. Perhaps we have several different commanders involved in this series of events. You will recall Paul shared with a commander a couple verses ago that he was from Tarsus in Cilicia. That commander granted Paul an opportunity to talk to the crowd. At the end of that very same speech, when the crowd heard the word “Gentile,” they erupted again.

The commander in today’s reading, then brings Paul inside and orders him beaten so they can get to the bottom of his “crime.” If it was the same commander, he had a short memory. Roman citizens are awarded certain privileges. The important one here is trial before punishment. Not punishment as a means of determining what justice is appropriate. Continue reading “Acts 22:24-29 – Wait a Minute!”

Read Acts 22:1-23

Absolutely riveted. You will recall from our passage yesterday – we’d been left with a bit of a cliffhanger. You may also recall that just moments before our reading today, these people were out to kill Paul. They became silent when a battered Paul stood up and addressed them in their own language. It was one of those pin-drop moments.

I enjoyed hearing Paul’s speech to them playing in my mind. You can imagine this is a story Paul would have told over and over again. Especially to Jews who would be able to relate to many parts of his story. It is the story that defines Paul and his transformation. We all have a story like Paul. Maybe not as dramatic at times, but our stories matter, too.

First of all, our stories are just that, they are ours. Secondly, God is involved in our story (hopefully), so they are God stories, too. My story will speak to some people, and yours will speak to some people. Those don’t need to be the same people. And, chances are they are not the same people. They are the “right” people that need to hear “our” story.

All the time we should be ready with our story. We shouldn’t wait for that golden moment. There will be lots of openings along the way, we just need to be mindful of them. I often marvel at how many opportunities to share my story I’ve let go by because I didn’t see clearly enough. I was too busy, too involved, working too hard, whatever. Fill in the blank what “it” is for you.

Paul was all in for God. Are we?

Take a moment just to think through your own story. If you don’t know what that is because you’ve been a Christian all your life…well, that’s your story. How do you think that defines you and makes you a better human being? What’s it like to have known Jesus your whole life? That’s a cool story most people will be intrigued by.

We all know people (maybe you’re one of them) who have had a fall over, crazy memorable time of conversion.  Kind of like Paul. You have to admit Paul’s story isn’t a common one! But people love “before and afters.” That is your story.

Whatever our story, I’m feeling a little empowered to tell mine more. I know I’ve helped women before (hopefully guys, too). How about you? Are you ready to let God use your story to help someone find God? Pray about it. God will reveal those who are ready to hear your story. He will open up those opportunities. You just have to be ready and watching.

Let’s pray. Father, I am so in awe of you and your greatness. You have so many “balls up in the air” I can’t even imagine. Thanks for giving me what I need to get through each day. Right now it’s wisdom in making decisions and seeing solutions. I can boldly put my trust in you to bring me to the situations and individuals who are ready to hear my story. Thank you for the boldness to want to open my mouth. Guide the words that come out. I want to reflect you brilliantly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.