Devotion • August 20
Today’s Scripture Reading
Acts 22:17–29
“After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And while the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I myself was standing by, approving and keeping the coats of those who killed him.’ Then he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him. But when they had tied him up with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who is uncondemned?” When the centurion heard that, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? This man is a Roman citizen.” The tribune came and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” The tribune answered, “It cost me a large sum of money to get my citizenship.” Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” Immediately those who were about to examine him drew back from him; and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. (NRSV)
Reflection
This text drops us smack dab into a scene with little context. We land here late in St. Paul’s life. He has returned to Jerusalem after many missionary ventures. His work has stirred up much reaction. And we are launched into a scene of confusion and violence with the crowds pushing and shoving and beating Paul. What has stirred up such a reaction? Paul is teaching against the people, the law, and the temple — a perfect storm, turning everything on its ear. Dust flying, confusion, and then a quick shift, and Paul is, in some ways, rescued by the Roman garrison only to be set up for flogging so they could get the truth out of this troublemaker.
It seems quite unreal that someone who at one minute is nearly beaten to death by a mob, could have it together enough to (a) draw on his knowledge of Roman law, (b) stand in a face-off with authorities about their illegal action, and (c) use this incident to get him right where he wanted to be — inside the Roman world — inside what he knew so very well. Paul wanted to get inside the Roman court so he could request an audience with those to whom he hoped to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is exactly what happened. (You will need to read the rest of the story yourself.)
Have you ever considered that your background, your heritage, your particular life experiences might be the very thing that allows you to be an agent for God’s work in this world? Maybe it is your ability to speak a foreign language and suddenly you are tapped to help out with immigrants who need a translator to be able to transition into the American culture. Or maybe it is your ability to cook or bake that brings deep pleasure to those who don’t have kitchens or home-cooked meals, and your gift becomes a balm for a person who thinks no one cares. Or perhaps you know how to fix a flat tire on a bike or a broken window: it seems small but giving that gift to another can bring such peace and relief. No, it is not quite the same as Paul before the Roman tribune, but it is your contribution to the life in community. And it is very, very important! You are very, very important!
Prayer
God, thank you for our lives, for the bounty of experiences, and for the amazing heritage we hold. Equip us to trust that all we have will be a gift to those we encounter, to your glory. Amen.
Written by Lucy Forster-Smith, Senior Associate Pastor
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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