Acts 22:22-30
The mob seemed to just be waiting for a buzz-word to ignite and inflame opposition to Paul. The tension in the air could not be mistaken. The crowd showed their disapproval of offering Gentiles the privileges of Christianity without being bound to the law of old that the Israelite nation had been bound to from the Exodus.
When Paul went before the Sanhedrin, it was evident to the Roman commander that problems were coming. Once again, the tension in the crowd was on the surface. The group were waving their garments in the air and kicking up dust. Civil unrest in the area was the problem to the commander. His job and his life were at stake in putting down the group.
The Roman commander probably did not understand what was being said, but he did understand that he would have to do whatever was necessary to quiet the riot. He decided to question Paul under scourging to get to the bottom of why the Jews were accusing him and so opposed to Paul. Then, Paul decided to speak as he was being stretched out to be scourged. He let the centurion know that he was a Roman citizen by asking a simple question. This caused the centurion to notify his commander. Paul seemed to never invoke his rights as a Roman citizen for his own protection, but to further the work of God spreading the good news of Jesus the savior of us all. Paul knew that he had to go to Rome, so he had to invoke his Roman rights.
Next, Paul sets out following his strategy. There seems to be recklessness in his actions. He knows there are some things the Lord wants him to accomplish. He trusts in the Lord with all of his being and sets the plan to follow where the Lord wants him to go. Being led by the Spirit, Paul knew that there were more things he had to do.
We know that we need to stop and listen as we study the Word of God knowing that He has a strategy for us to follow. When we became Christians, we accepted His authority and the authority of the Bible.
Have a Great Week,
Brad
