 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”
2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: 3 “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. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 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 them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 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.’11 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. 12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 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. 14 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; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ 17 “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 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.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Paul and the Roman Tribune 22 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.” 23 And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,24 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. 25 But when they had stretched him out for the whips,[d] Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” 26 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.” 27 So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” 29 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. Paul Before the Council 30 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. Meditation Can you take a punch? The gospel is the power of God to those being saved! But it offends the religious and is folly to the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Is the Church embracing the power of the gospel personally but afraid to share the gospel publicly for fear of confrontation? Are we afraid to take a punch? Paul took some punches to proclaim the gospel of grace. Paul’s passionate plea to the people in Jerusalem is exemplary in many ways, not least of which is a pattern for our personal testimony (Highlighted HERE). Embedded in Paul’s proclamation is the deep offense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul had been beaten by the mob (21) and wanted to give a defense (apologia -1). Paul shared the gospel with the people who had been punching him (2-21) and the gospel punched back. Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13) and when he proclaimed the purpose of the gospel was to reach all peoples (21) the people wanted to kill Paul (22). We must love people, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Without love we are a noisy gong (1 Corinthians 13:1) but without truth we do not truly love the world. The truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ will offend people but we need not fear receiving a punch for gospel proclamation. Welcome the persecution coming from loving and truthful proclamation and discover the blessing of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:10-12). Richly Dwelling -Are you afraid to take a punch for gospel proclamation? Why or why not? -The gospel offends people but we should not be offensive in sharing the gospel with others. Love is always our lead! And truth must always follow as part of our love. Are you afraid to offend people by sharing the truth in love? -Love is an essential ingredient to life transformation. Who in your life needs to hear and see the love of God in and through you? Share your story with them and do not be afraid to tell the truth. Watch the Spirit work. Key Verse 22 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.” Comments are closed.
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