The Pilgrim Path---Acts 23: 1 – 5

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

…STRIKE HIM ON THE MOUTH

Here we are--- back to the Acts of the Apostles. Remember Paul had to be “rescued” by the Roman Tribune---or his Jewish opponents would have beaten him to death due to his testimony that Jesus of Nazareth is the resurrected Christ. The Roman official cannot understand the hatred---and violence exhibited toward Paul. He decides to summon the Jewish Council to meet and “iron things out.” We are reminded in this passage that bitterness and contempt--- are awful foes with which to contend. The High Priest cannot tolerate Paul’s reference to a good conscience---and he (Ananias) orders that Paul be hit---right in the mouth! Paul reveals that he is not super-human---or super-spiritual, and he “rebukes” the High Priest most resoundingly for the command of violence toward him…

Paul is told, “That’s the High Priest you are assailing---and verbally assaulting---would you revile God’s representative?” Ole Dr. Luke records Paul saying, “Oh---I did not know that was God’s High Priest. You should not speak evil of a ruler of your people” (Exodus 22: 28). Hmmm—how did Paul not recognize the High Priest? I appreciate what Dr. Jim Boice used to say: Perhaps Paul could not “see” well (Galatians 6: 11); secondly---was this a sarcastic response? Where Paul indicates a “true” High Priest would never behave this way; Thirdly---and maybe best response---Paul had been away from Jerusalem around 20 years---Paul simply did not know (no mass media or cell phone images).

What strikes me (forgive the pun) is Paul’s desire to live in accord with God’s Law (Exodus 22: 28)---and represent the LORD Jesus Christ well---even before baseless allegations---and the most awful spirit of vengeance (as demonstrated by many of the Jewish leaders). Culture Alert: I need this instruction. We live in an era when leaders (home / government / church) are reviled, condemned, maligned, slandered, vilified, and spoken and written about---in an absolutely disparaging manner. The Holy Spirit’s exhortation through Paul is: Please stop.

From Matthew Henry: There must be a particular tenderness for the honor and reputation of those in authority more than of other people, because the law of God requires a particular reverence be paid to them, as God’s viceregents; and it is of dangerous consequence to have those any way countenanced who despise dominions, and speak evil of dignities, Jude viii.

The Reformation Study Bible: God’s law (Exodus 22: 28) obligates Paul to respect the people’s leader even when a ruler is not behaving respectably, just as David honored Saul, the LORD’S anointed, although the king sought to kill David (I Samuel 24: 3 – 15).

Meanwhile on the other side of the world:

---From the United Nations: There are 4.7 million Ukrainian Refugees across Europe. At least 2.9 million Ukrainian Refugees are registered for temporary protection in Europe.

---From UNICEF: Half of the estimated 3.2 million children who remain in Ukraine are at risk of not having enough food…

---From Dal & Beth Stanton: We return to Krakow end of July---carrying six (6) crates full of much needed medical supplies, and medicines from long-time Ukraine supporter, Dr. Wiley Smith…

---From Dr. Jim Peipon (Ukraine Medical Outreach): UMO is helping coordinate teams of healthcare professionals from around the world. These will either be teaching teams to provide practical training in hospitals or clinical teams working with young Ukrainian healthcare workers, mentoring, teaching, and providing care to people in villages where there is no doctor. We will be working closely with the CMA Ukraine to bring a Christian perspective to medical care bringing healing to both body and soul. As we consider UMO’s mission and ministry goals, this phase aligns perfectly. The first phase providing medical supplies is still an ongoing and great need. Inflation has had a dramatic effect on costs. The cost of supporting two warehouses, one in Poland and the other in Ukraine, along with transportation costs have risen by over 500%. There is concern that as the war drags on there will be need for ongoing financial support. Pray for the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine, for their protection as well as funds to continue their work---and the wisdom to organize distribution.

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

LORD Willing---I will be posting---on Wednesday and Friday--- in the coming weeks…