Paul was being falsely accused by his Jewish brothers. They thought that he had defiled the Temple by bringing a Greek into the inner hall intended only for Jews. Not only that, but they believed his teaching about Jesus to be against the Law that they so loved and revered.
As they rioted against him, Paul tried to calm the crowd with his defense. Realizing he was a Jew, they listened to him. Paul was given the opportunity to share his full testimony of how he went from a persecutor of “The Way” to a follower of Jesus. But when Paul said, Acts 22:21 (CSB) “He (Jesus) said to me, ‘Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ” Again they tried to kill him.
The Roman commander decided to have Paul scourged till he could find out why the people were so mad at Paul. It was then that Paul claimed his rights as a Roman citizen, Acts 22:27–28 (CSB) “The commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes,” he said.
28 The commander replied, “I bought this citizenship for a large amount of money.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul said.”
Paul’s identity as a Jew had given him an opportunity to share his testimony. Paul’s citizenship as a Roman now brought him protection from unjust torture and punishment. Citizenship brings certain privileges. And Paul was not hesitant to exercise his privileges.
But there was another citizenship that was of much greater importance to Paul. It was his citizenship in heaven. Paul embraced his identity as a Jew and was proud of his citizenship as a Roman. But Paul’s highest allegiance was a follower of Jesus Christ. Paul would soon write to the Philippian Church, Philippians 3:19–21 (CSB) “Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things, 20 but our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.”
In today’s world we are often tempted to respond in worldly ways to a worldly crisis. But God reminds us that our greatest responsibility is not as a member of the human race or as a citizen of the United States. Instead, we are called to focus on Christ and His love as we represent His cause here on earth.
Eventually, Paul would be executed. He refused to embrace the acceptance he could have found by conforming to the expectations of his Jewish brothers. Paul declined to claim his rights as a Roman citizen and pledge his allegiance to Caesar which would have provided him safety and life. Instead, Paul boldly held to his devotion to Jesus and citizenship in Heaven. He stated it this way, 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (CSB) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing.”
What Citizenship is your priority?
Dear God, Help me to live my life as an alien in this world filled with sin. Shine Your light through me in the midst of this darkness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Guidelines for Worship
The Guidelines for worship have been sent to members via e-mail. We will resume Sunday Morning Worship on May 24th. On Wednesday May 20th we will have a special Worship at 7 PM to work through the process of using these guidelines.
VBS on the Road
We are looking for volunteers to lead and/or host 2-hour day camps in subdivisions around our area during the month of July. If you are interested in teaching or hosting, please contact Bro. Mark. mark@pinerbaptist.org