Category: Acts

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.

Read Acts 21:26-40

Talk about a cliffhanger! I love how there is so much emotion building. We, as onlookers, knew that something was going to happen to Paul. I was totally caught up in the story and could see it happening as if right before my eyes. To hear the angry shouts of the crowd almost deafened me. I close my eyes and I can imagine the scene almost vividly. I love it when Bible accounts come to life in my head. Watching them re-enacted on film is also sometimes helpful, especially if done well.

Despite Paul being beaten and dragged off toward the “fortress” Paul remained bold. There was so much evil hatred being born from lies it’s frightening. But Paul was prepared. As he took each blow, knowing it could be the last, I’m sure he was praying like mad. I would be. When he asked to speak after all that, I was stunned. The power of God was truly at work in him to keep his strength up to speak, much less stand and address the crowd who just demanded his death.

Paul stood ever ready for an opportunity to set the record straight and let people know the truth. He never once tried to speak down on the Jew or the Gentile. He must have seen all men as God does, equal and deserving. Loved.

Sometimes it’s hard to love everyone, especially those we are at odds with.  For them, even more, grace is required. Do you have people who come to mind that just rub you wrong, that you want to avoid at all costs? Think about why you feel this way. Remember that God loves them no matter what they’ve done.

Do you stand ready to be bold like Paul? If not, what is standing in your way? Take time today to imagine you were on trial for your faith, facing the giants of life. How will you respond?

Let’s pray. Father, forgive me when I am not as bold as I could be. Forgive me when I am timid and avoid confrontation. I pray each day for new boldness to speak out and proclaim you. I am not ashamed, may my life reflect that adoration. Today I am a bit distracted letting some concern creep into my heart. Lord remove that. Cleanse me of this feeling. I claim that indescribable peace you so freely give. Thank you that you are in control and I am not.

Read Acts 21:15-25

Paul and friends have arrived safely in Jerusalem. That was Paul’s plan. You may recall Paul had many people begging him not to go to Jerusalem due to prophecies of harm to come his way. Paul is set on his mission, has listened to his own messages from the Spirit, yet knows he is where is supposed to be.

Sometimes we need to move out of our comfort zones for God’s kingdom. It’s easy to stay where it’s safe and secure. But we miss out on so much great ministry if we stay where it’s comfortable. I am learning that more and more as I grow in my relationship with God. He wants me to step into the unknown with boldness. Moving to a new country with an openness to be used by him is a great example of how we are listening to his call. Continue reading “Acts 21:15-25 – Our Jewish Roots”