Daily Digest

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[a] 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”[b] 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[c] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[d] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

This passage is the message of freedom that sets us as believers apart from every other religion. I can’t be good enough (perfect) to be acceptable to God by my own efforts. But when Jesus uttered ‘it is finished’ on the Cross it marked the end of our struggle with this conundrum. It is the death of Christ and his victory over sin that makes us able to enter the presence of God. So why do we so often try to impress God with all the great things we have done? It’s not that we shouldn’t do good, but we need to remember that it is not these things that make us Right with God. I need to reset my inner compass so that it doesn’t reflect the standards and mindset of the world. I want to live in the freedom delivered to me by Jesus rather than the condemnation of a life lived by worldly values.

Jesus thank you for all that you have done for me. Remind me every day of how much you have given and create in me a grateful heart. By your Holy Spirit guide my thinking so I might bring Glory to your name. Amen

Written by Christine Knight

15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. 17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. 19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

It is very easy to get caught up in self-righteous indignation when we hear of some of the terrible things that have happened recently in the world. And I’ve noticed this tendency to moral outrage not just in Christians, but also in people who would not describe themselves in any way religious. 

As a devout Jew, Paul’s previous focus was an attempt to become righteous by his works and obedience to the Law of God. But his powerful encounter with Jesus showed Paul a new way. He is teaching us that we can only come to God by His grace, not on the basis of our merit, our works, or our efforts. If our focus is on “being good” it leads us to being proud and self-righteous.

I am not dismissing the importance of advocating for social change and justice in the world.  But if we believe that we are all sinners saved by grace,  we must guard against the attitude that I am better than the “terrible person” who’s done something that I read about in the media. If we are honest, we will acknowledge that we all are deeply selfish and prone to sinful behaviours and attitudes.

Thank you God for Your incredible grace to us, and I pray that we will carry that heart of grace to a world that needs it.

Written by Shelley Witt

2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. 8 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

This passage reminds me of the importance of recognised leadership in my life, and in the life of the church. And I am helped greatly by Paul’s view of things.

Paul clearly is not awestruck into seeing these leaders as some kind of superspecies, but he obeyed God’s revelation to him that told him to seek them out in order to confirm that all he was doing for the Gospel was not in vain. And those recognised as leaders in the church helped confirm and affirm what Paul was doing, such that he left with new vigour, confidence, and backing from the larger church in his missionary endeavours.

Sometimes, I find myself confused about what I’m doing. Sometimes, I find myself unsure if what I’m doing is “in vain.” God clearly directed Paul, the apostle, in one of his such moments, to recognised leaders in the church, who helped him along his way. I must take note to do the same. I don’t have to figure it all out on my own. Nor does everything have to come via direct revelation from God. Recognised leadership plays an important role in the guidance and affirmation of my efforts and calling.

God, help me not to isolate myself from great wisdom, encouragement, and support in the recognised leadership around me, especially if I am concerned that what I’m doing or where I’m going is “in vain.”

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh

11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Paul is at pains to make it clear that the gospel he preached is of God, not a man-created philosophy. This was because the Galatians were being corrupted by the Judaizers, who were preaching a salvation based on rules. But our salvation is based on grace.

This gospel of grace was also crucially for all – not just Jews (Rom 16:25-26). Simeon the priest praised God for this gospel when he described Jesus as “ a light of revelation to the Gentiles” in Luke 2:32.

Revelation shows something not previously known. Revelation of the gospel flows from a personal encounter with God not through following rules (rules like good deeds, regular church attendance). Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus left him blind and stopped him in his tracks. These verses and reflecting on Paul’s experience remind me that encounters with our God are like that – they change our hearts and minds to be more like His.

This revelation given to Paul by God was ground breaking because it was a revelation of salvation by grace, not law, and it was for Jew and Gentile – everyone. I am so grateful for his grace.

What ground breaking revelation does God have for me today?

Dear Lord, thank you for salvation by grace through Jesus. Please continue to reveal yourself to me. Open my heart and mind to your revelation today. I am expectant.  Amen

Written by Claire Moore

1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters[a] with me, To the churches in Galatia: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

First century letters followed established patterns. They begin by introducing who the letter is from, who it is to, and a blessing, before going on to what the writer really wanted to say. You could gloss over the formalities. (I’m probably not “dear” to my bank and I doubt the respect that “sir” suggests.) But not Paul. Every word of his introduction is significant. How he introduces himself and particularly his prayer or blessing generally contain the key to how the rest of the letter should be understood.

“Grace and peace” (and the source of Paul’s apostleship) will be central ideas in the rest of the book. Both these words speak of relationship. The word translated as “peace” is more than just peace with God or even the peace that God gives, it is the place with him where peace and favour reign. Similarly, the word translated as “grace” is more just receiving blessing we don’t deserve, it’s a relationship characterised by favour out of which generosity and blessing flow naturally. And that “grace and peace” are given to us by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as part of that relationship of favour and generosity. They don’t come from obeying the law, not even a little bit. And the result is rescued lives and glory to God.

The gospel is simultaneously incredibly simple and unbelievably profound. I love it!

Written by David Cornell

17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

Paul is clearly facing a situation that is the result of jealousy and hatred. He has been set up but his words are not of resentment, rather he is choosing to see his position as one of opportunity. Even the smallest child seems to know if ‘that’s not fair!!’ But we are called to live differently. A wise man once said ‘the devil of resentment is that it is justified!’ Paul had been badly treated by his own people but he chooses in vs 20 to focus on what lies ahead, not his unfair past.

It makes me wonder if I have missed God’s opportunity at any time because I was focussed instead on myself and the ‘unfair’ circumstances of my life. I want my testimony to be about the goodness and greatness of God, not the sad or unfair things that have happened along the way. The cause of my resentment may be justified, but I need to let that go to be used by God. 

Heavenly Father thank you that you are the God of my life. Help me Lord to focus on your goodness. Help me to see all that you place before me. Give me the strength Lord to leave with you the things in my life that fester because they are not ‘fair’. Use me Lord for your Glory. In Jesus name. Amen

Written by Christine Knight

28 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. 7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

Paul lives an adventurous, inspiring life. In this passage, he has just survived two weeks at sea and being shipwrecked. Elsewhere he says that he has been in prison, flogged, exposed to death, whipped, beaten and stoned (2 Cor 11:23-26). And now, arriving in Malta, he gets bitten by a deadly viper snake and survives. No fear is mentioned. He just shakes it off. I love this guy! He doesn’t panic. He doesn’t apply first aid. He just goes on. (Do not try this at home!) Furthermore, he prays and Publius’ father is healed along with the rest of the sick islanders.

Is this guy insane? Is he second to Jesus? How can he be this way? Back in Acts 27:23 it gives us a clue: an angel told him he would stand before Caesar. It’s that simple. God gave Paul a word and he believed Him. Paul knew he wouldn’t die by shipwreck or snakebite because God had told him. Pfft what’s a snake bite, what’s being shipwrecked but a light and momentary affliction (Paul’s words in 2 Cor 4:17).

This guy is crazy good. He is about God’s business and reliant on God’s word and instruction. While I may not be experiencing literal shipwrecks and snakebites, when I experience hardship, may I be like Paul and hold fast to God’s word and character and continue moving forward and not be sidelined or side tracked by momentary afflictions. 

Written by Gab Martin

13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor[a] and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

Naturally supernatural.

I love it when I’m going about my daily life and suddenly I realise that a decision that I thought I made though natural means was exactly what landed me in an ideal God situation.

In today’s passage, Paul isn’t being all powerful and miraculous, he is just being Naturally supernatural. He is doing what comes naturally to him in challenging moments and the outcome is that all those around him are encouraged and awestruck at the power of God!

Lord help me to be natural in the way that I live out Your power that is made perfect in my weakness.

Written by Ps. Justin Ware

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” 30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” 32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

The first verse in this passage of scripture gave me a bit of a laugh:  “At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

I’m pretty sure that no one has ever accused me of such a thing! But it got me thinking that Paul appears to have been widely known at the time for his intellectual achievements. And, in addition to that, Paul was a very forceful and public opponent of Christianity prior to his famous encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Imagine if a modern day renowned intellectual with a very public opposition to Christianity like say, Richard Dawkins, had an encounter with Jesus. And then as a result, he not only changed his views about the existence of God, but he also became a vocal Christian evangelist. What a stir that would cause!

Do we believe that such an occurrence is even possible? Prior to his conversion, did the Christians of Paul’s time ever imagine that such a transformation of his beliefs and his life could ever occur?

Who in my world (or the world at large) have I given up on as too difficult for God to reach?

Today I lift my eyes of faith to pray once again for those on my heart who need to know Jesus. And I remember that God is able to do ‘exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine’.

Written by Shelley Witt

23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

Paul was brought before King Agrippa “amid great pomp” in order that they might try to find some guilt in him to charge him with.  As we read this we can imagine that in this situation Paul was a prisoner and would have appeared to be a very humble and unimportant man.

King Agrippa, Bernice and Festus are all mentioned here as part of the great pomp, and yet all these years later, which of these men have changed the world history forever?  The answer is Paul – the one who appeared to be a lowly nobody at the time.

In heaven, I’m sure we will be very surprised when we see some of the humble people whom God has esteemed as important – ones  who have changed the world through pursuing God’s Kingdom.

May my heart be fixed on eternal things and not impressed by the things of this world.

Written by Shelley Witt!

25 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3 They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5 Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.” 6 After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7 When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them. 8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.” 9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” 10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Paul has been in prison now for two years, defending his case but also talking with the ruling authority (Felix) about faith in Jesus. Then the ruling authority changes (Festus) and Paul has to start again. Yet again the accusations again Paul are made, and yet again Paul answers that he has done nothing wrong against the Jewish law, the temple or Caesar. Essentially he repeats Acts 24:16 – his conscience remains clear before God and man.

How does Paul remain so confident after two years of multiple people telling him he is in the wrong? And whilst these accusations are different, how can a man who has a history of murdering Christians ever stand before a court and say his conscience is entirely clear? Sometimes I define myself by old sins. I get stuck in regret and almost try to punish myself by feeling bad. When I get into this mindset it ruins me for the present and the future.

Paul is not yet perfect and still struggles with sin (Romans 7:15-20 is written in the present tense!), but he does not define himself by his own actions or previous sin. Paul stands confidently with a clear conscience because he knows in whose righteousness he stands. By Jesus’ blood Paul has been made righteous before the only Judge that matters in the end. His conscience is clear and he is free.

Jesus forgive me for trying to pay a debt that has already been paid with my regret. Please help me to live in the freedom of a clear conscience, which your precious blood has bought.

Written by Rhiannon Mellor

24 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. 4 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. 5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. [7] [a] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.” 9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. 10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. 17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’” 22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.

Today’s passage gives an interesting insight into how the world worked back in the time of Paul. It doesn’t seem a lot different to now in certain places and in certain situations. It’s also interesting to see how Paul behaved in the circumstances. Paul was brought before the governor with some serious charges related to things Paul had not actually done.

The thing that stood out to me when I read this passage was firstly how polite and respectful Paul was to the judge. He spoke with care explaining what he did and didn’t do. The religious of the day were also very clear on their story but the story about Paul stirring up riots was not true. They also essentially complained about the behaviour of the Commander who took Paul from these people to the governor.

Paul then explained that other things the religious men said or implied about him were true. This was about who he believed in and what he believed. He remained truthful about the things that mattered. He sounds like he would have come across as a trustworthy witness.

Paul was a great example of how we should all behave. To be respectful and polite and truthful. To hold fast to what God asks of each of us.

Lord God thank you that you are always with us and that you will help us every day to be respectful and polite with everyone we encounter and that you are the one that will protect us from the untruths of others. We can trust you to do that. Awesome. Amen

Written by Therese Manning

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” 22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

In this passage we see God’s sovereignty at work. In verse 11 of the previous passage God encourages Paul and tells him that he will testify about God in Rome. God uses the attack on Paul, and the Roman intervention to safely transport Paul from Jerusalem to Rome. Historically, Rome was the brutal enemy oppressing the Jewish people, and yet, in this twist, it is a Roman officer that saves Paul. Roman soldiers crucified Jesus, and now Roman soldiers defend Paul on his way to Rome to preach about Jesus. How amazing that Paul’s nephew should be in the right place at the right time to hear of this conspiracy against Paul: in this we see God using a nephew as part of His plan to protect Paul. As Paul prioritised God’s kingdom and His righteousness God took care of Paul.

I am encouraged that God is sovereign, He is in complete control, and He uses whatever means He chooses to bring about His will. God is unpredictable, I don’t know how He is going to work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, but I know that He will do it.

Lord, please help me to trust you and to rest in your sovereignty. Help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness today. Thank you for working all things together for my good. Amen.   

Written by Ps. Bethany Waugh

37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?” 39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” 40 After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic[a]: 22 1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. 10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked. “ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ 11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. 12 “A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. 14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ 17 “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” 22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” 23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” 27 The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. 28 Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. 29 Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

Paul’s testimony is so powerful.  A clear witness to Christ, His love, His power and the radical change that comes as a result of faith in Jesus.

The sting in the tail of this portion of Scripture is in Acts 22: 22.  The Jews wanted God to themselves – the thought that Paul, a good Jew, trained by the best, a Pharisee no less, would pollute himself with Gentiles is completely abhorrent for them.  Their national pride is insulted.

God has been for all humankind since His creation of the world – no one race of people, no one class of people, no single group or groups – He is for all.  The Israelites were chosen by God, they did not choose Him.  God called them to witness to Him.  Yet by this period of human history we see the Jews thought they were the exclusive ones of God.  Paul, for all his knowledge, cultural upbringing and learning was more committed to Christ than his heritage.  The result is he is rejected – because he was not prepared to be simply nationalistic!

Father help us to stay true to You and Your Gospel which is good news for all.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta