The Pilgrim Path---Acts 22: 17 – 30

“When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him (Jesus) saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ And I said, ‘LORD, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 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.’ And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

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.” And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 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. 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 condemned?” 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?” So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 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.

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.

“…HE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO LIVE”

---Paul is giving the Jews in Jerusalem a condensed version of his encounter with the resurrected---glorified Jesus. If you remember, he had taken quite a thrashing at their hands (Acts 21: 32). The Roman Tribune was allowing him to speak to the crowd!

---Paul’s “word” had to be difficult for unbelieving Jews---because he claims that Jesus of Nazareth “is” the Christ---AND---that he was directed to take the truth to the Gentiles! This sparks outrage among the Jewish hearers. But it should not have provoked a disturbance---for Abraham was told---through his seed--- would come blessing to ALL the peoples of the earth!

---Paul’s hearers cannot tolerate his message! They demand that he die (verse 22).

---Paul’s entire episode with the Jews and Romans---in this segment of the Book of Acts, reminds me, that while I may treasure peace, rest, and undisturbed routine---This may not be what the LORD Jesus Christ has in mind for me at all (or for YOU). What King Jesus may well require of us---for the Glory of His Name, and the advancement of His Kingdom---are periods of little rest, demanding endeavor---and what appears to be, on a human level---“risky” participation with low percentage populations (as far as Gospel response may be concerned). Get the message here: Paul was at Jesus’ disposal. Whatever was required---he was available for the Master…

---Paul might have been scourged at the word of the Roman Tribune. Guess he felt the Apostle was “hiding” something? Figured he’d beat the truth out of him? But wait? Roman citizens cannot be treated in such a fashion---But the Tribune did not know this yet. Paul educates him---and the Tribune gathers the full Jewish Council to “hear” him (the Tribune had that much power).

From Tim Keller: Christians have their attitude toward God changed from one of duty to free, loving self-giving because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. So to know how to meditate on and delight in the Bible is the secret to a relationship with God and to life itself (Psalm 1).

From William Gurnall: The service you do out of your own path is not acceptable to God. God will not thank you for doing that which he did not ask you to do.

From Thomas Watson: It is an evil thing not to do all God’s Will! Let us examine all of our actions, to see whether they are according to God’s will or not. The will of God is our rule and standard. It is the sundial by which we must regulate all our actions. Are our speech, words, and apparel according to God’s will? Would Jesus do this? Misery always attends doing our own will. Our first parents left God’s will and purchased a curse for themselves and all their posterity. Saul left God’s will and lost the kingdom. Happiness always attends doing God’s will. Joseph obeyed, and God raised him to second in the kingdom…

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