The Pilgrim Path---Acts 22: 2 – 16

And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

“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. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 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 then in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, LORD?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 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.’ 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.

“And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 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. 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; for you will be a witness to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

“YOU WILL BE A WITNESS FOR HIM TO EVERYONE…”

The LORD God Almighty uses the Roman authorities to spare the life of the Apostle Paul (Acts 21: 31 – 34). This ambassador for Christ then graciously asks the Roman Tribune if he may address the crowd that had assembled---he is granted permission:

---Paul reminds the Jews that he was trained by one of the most outstanding Rabbinical scholars of the age (Gamaliel). Paul really did possess incredible credentials among “his” Jewish culture.

---Paul had personally sought “to the death”---those of The Way (Christians). He may have had no peer in zeal for the truth---even in seeking death for those he perceived to be heretics…

---Paul met the only Perfect Jew (and man) who ever lived---for he met the God-Man Jesus while traveling to Damascus in his persecution endeavors. All his plans changed---when he was overwhelmed by inescapable light. My---The Living Christ “is” Light, and in HIM is no darkness at all!

---Paul was asked by the resurrected---glorified Jesus, “Why do you persecute Me?” Paul learned: To assail and assault Jesus’ people---is to assail and assault Jesus Christ!

---Paul is “changed” by the Living Christ---which is why he keeps calling him, “LORD.”

---Paul was sent by the LORD Jesus into Damascus and told he would find out “there”---what he should “do.” Christians always have things to stop---and things to start…

---Paul was met by Ananias---The LORD arranged the meeting. Ananias “gave” Paul his sight---and gave him the word: Brother, God appointed this whole plan for You----seeing the Righteous One---hearing His voice---You will be his witness---telling of what you have seen and heard to everybody…

---Paul---“stood up” and was baptized (no place for immersion close by). Pouring or sprinkling do just fine---remind us of the ceremonial cleansing of the Old Testament---a picture of the “blood of Jesus washing our sins away!” Thanks be to God!

From Rico Tice: To become a Christian is neither convenient nor comfortable. It means no longer living for ourselves but for Jesus. I am not the ruler---he is. It means trusting and relying on Jesus, completely. I am not the rescuer---he is. Accepting this and living like it is what the Bible calls repenting.

From John Duncan: The world is a lost world. But the world is a divinity-visited world.

From J. Mack Stiles: Give yourself grace when you share your faith. I’ve noticed that I often fear evangelism because there are so many ways to go wrong. I can flub the message. I can keep silent when I need to speak. I can say things that I later think were stupid. But it’s good to remind yourself that even your mistakes can help you become a better ambassador. Meet people where they are…Be compassionate and maintain a tender heart toward others. Be careful to remember that you are a sinner. Humility commends the gospel. Remember that we have the answers to life’s biggest questions. That’s something you can offer. When the reality of life pierces through the superficial barriers that keep people from God, that’s where you can shine the light of the gospel. Don’t hide it under a basket.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason