Daily Thought

The Jews’ response is to hear him up to this point but no further. In Luke chapter 4 it was the Lord’s reference to God’s gracious dealings with Gentiles that provoked the people to try to cast Him over the brow of the hill. So, too, here it is the divine commission to the Gentiles that is one step too far for the Jews. Yet, how we rejoice that the grace of God is not limited to one nation, nor to one level of society, nor to a specific type of person, but that salvation is offered to the ‘whosoever’. Sad indeed if we, in our thinking, should exclude any from God’s universal invitation!

For the second time, a riot arises on account of Paul, and the chief captain understandably desires to discover what Paul has done and so commands him to be scourged. Whilst on many occasions Paul is prepared to endure beatings, cp. 2 Cor. 11, this time he makes it known to the centurion that he is a Roman citizen. The reason for this, I judge, is that this was more than simply a question of Paul’s personal rights. This had to do with justice: the chief captain was supposedly an upholder of law and order on behalf of the Roman government and yet was prepared to torture a man who was not only uncondemned but innocent. Paul was able to use his status as a Roman citizen to bring the man under conviction, with the result that the situation was radically and rapidly altered, Acts 22. 29.

The next day, therefore, the captain does what he should have done initially and brings Paul before the religious leaders to find out what he is accused of. Paul’s fearlessness as he stands before them, 23. 1-3, his graciousness, v. 5, and his wisdom to discern his audience, vv. 6-9, are all displayed.

For the third time, then, a riot arises and Paul is rescued by the soldiers. We can only imagine what Paul must have been feeling by this time, despite having known that it would take place. However, in verse 11 we read that ‘the Lord stood by him’. Not only so, but He gave Paul a promise that he would testify for Him in Rome. What a comfort and encouragement this must have been both at the time and in the dark days of imprisonment, and the shipwreck that lay ahead. The One who stood by him then would stand by him all the way.