Acts 24:22-27 ESV

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

BEWARE OF APATHEISM

Felix had the opportunity to listen the word of God but he had no interest at all. He was like Esau. Esau was not immoral and godless. He had no ethics or faith, no scruples or reverence. He had no regard for the good, the truthful, the divine. He was totally worldly, totally secular, totally profane. Felix stole his wife, Drusilla, Herod Agrippa's daughter, from her husband when she was sixteen. He was very corrupt and cruel.

Governor Felix was an apatheist. According to gotquestions.org. “An apatheist is one who thinks topics such as God and religion are irrelevant, meaningless, or disinteresting. The term apatheism refers more to an attitude than to any actual set of beliefs, but it can be useful to summarize how a great many people think—or don’t think—about God. While apatheism is not an “official” worldview, it is an important concept.”

Paul has proven their accusations were ridiculous and baseless. But, Governor Felix would rather placate the Jewish leaders than give Paul justice, so he kept him in custody under the pretense that he needed the testimony of the Roman army commander in Jerusalem (v.22). There was a moment he and his wife Drusilla, sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. Paul reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment. But Felixix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” He wasn’t interested at all.

For the next two years of custody, Felix periodically requested Paul's presence. Felix was looking for a bribe. In other words, he kept the best of both worlds. If Paul is in custody, Jewish leaders will be happy and Paul might offer a bribe. Yet, since he hasn't done anything wrong, he allowed his friends to visit and see his needs (see v.23, 26–27).

Luke 2:8-14 ESV

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

LET US GLORIFY GOD THIS CHRISTMAS

Two decades ago, a fantasy movie was released entitled “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything Christmas-related from the Whos.

Similarly, there are a few ‘Grinches’ today that we allow to steal the true meaning of Christmas. First in the list is tradition. Over the years of doing the burnt sacrifices at the temple, the Jews had lost its meaning. Christians may be caught also in the same predicament when Christmas is thought more as a tradition to observe.

Next in the list is busyness. Contrary to the first Christmas, our lives during this season is marked with rush. Everyone rushes to shop on overcrowded shopping malls where lines at payment centers are endless, and trapped up in a snail-paced traffic going back home. By the time we arrived home late, we are drained and tired to death. Needless to say, many unscrupulous businessman are taking advantage in this season. It is sad that Christmas is commercialized nowadays, isn’t it? As somebody described, “People are spending money they don’t have towards people they don’t know with gifts they don’t need.”

Revelry is another grinch. Isn’t that many makes this season as the reason for excesses. As a season of happiness, they say, “I can do whatever it takes just to make myself and family happy.” Partying is common. It’s good that families and clans are having reunions but they’re spoiled by these excesses.

Let’s watch out that these ‘Grinches’ won’t steal our hearts this Christmas from Jesus. He is the reason for the season. In fact, He should be the only reason. We should glorify Him in our celebrations. In what ways? He does need our hearts to worship Him, doesn’t He? Like the shepherds and wise men, they went to Bethlehem in order to worship Jesus. May our hearts would maintain a posture of worship. Let’s ask ourselves as the psalmist did, that is;

“What shall I render to the Lord

for all his benefits to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of the Lord,

I will pay my vows to the Lord

in the presence of all his people.”[Psa 116:12-14]

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Acts 24:10-21 ESV

10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

In Paul’s defense against the accusations of the Jews, he asserted his innocense. There was no doubt that the preaching of the gospel had caused discomfort to the wicked but in no way he was a troublemaker. It is true that his ministry has indirectly led to social unrest. In Philippi, he expelled a fortune-telling demon from a slave girl. Her owners incited a crowd to beat Paul and his ministry partner Silas (Acts 16:16–23). In Ephesus, so many Artemis-worshipers came to faith in Jesus that the idol-makers formed a protest that nearly became a riot (Acts 19:23–41).

His accusers couldn’t substantiate their accusations. Since he arrived at Jerusalem, he neither had a dispute with anybody nor stirred a mob. Instead, he brought alms to his nation and presented offerings. This was the reason why he went inside the temple, quietly without tumult.

Paul, however, acknowledged before the governor that he worshiped the God of their fathers, according to the Way, which they call a sect of the Nazarene. He affirmed that he believed in everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. That, he had the hope in God, which the religious leaders accepted, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

An accusation like this could be a blessing in disguise. Why? It would clear our motive and conscience. It’s always a win-win situation. Should the accusation is true, we could thank God for making us aware of faults or sins, we inadvertently missed, that we need to settle with God. And if it’s false, we should thank God that our motives are right in order for us not to be careless but prudent always in our actions.

Thus, when we are questioned, let us follow what Paul expressed later in his epistle to Philippians, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” [Phil 2:14-16]

Acts 24:1-9 ESV

And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

IS PAUL A TROUBLEMAKER?

Today, we should be ready to respond to those who may persecute us for preaching and living godly lives in Christ. Jesus has warned us, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” [John 3:19] What do you expect from people who loved darkness more than light? As Paul exhorted us, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them.” [Eph 5:11] The preaching of the gospel is as flashing the light at the dark places which either frighten or angered the nocturnals. 52 to 58. In two years, after continual complaints to Caesar from the people of Caesarea, Nero will replace Felix with Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27). The "peace" Felix had kept due to his "foresight" was earned by viciously stamping down insurrections. They are at court because the Sanhedrin considered Paul an insurrectionist. They presumed that Paul was the exact type of person Felix would normally treat with great prejudice. Furthermore, the Sanhedrin had emulated Felix by planning to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–15). They unfortunately have much in common.

They brought Tertullus, a lawyer, as their spokesman. The Sanhedrin needed him because they wanted to be sure to present their case effectively. He began his statements by flattering the governor. He said, “Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.” History tells that Governor Marcus Antonius Felix was a former slave. Historians suggested that this experience had inspired his cruelty. Claudius Caesar made him governor from about AD 52 to 58. In two years, after continual complaints to Caesar from the people of Caesarea, Nero will replace Felix with Porcius Festus (Acts 24:27). The "peace" Felix had kept due to his "foresight" was earned by viciously stamping down insurrections. They are at court because the Sanhedrin considered Paul an insurrectionist. They presumed that Paul was the exact type of person Felix would normally treat with great prejudice. Furthermore, the Sanhedrin had emulated Felix by planning to assassinate Paul (Acts 23:12–15). They unfortunately have much in common.

On this basis, Tertullus subtly argues he should stamp out Paul, as well, since Paul "stirs up riots…throughout the world.” Paul to them was a plague. That is, he is a trouble maker. Paul was a public menace and a cult leader who tried to commit a capital offense against Roman law by defiling a religious structure. However, there was no sufficient evidence.

Acts 23:23-35 ESV

23 Then he called two of the centurions and said, “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night. 24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:

26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. 28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment. 30 And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

31 So the soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day they returned to the barracks, letting the horsemen go on with him. 33 When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

SAFEGUARDED

After hearing the plot, the tribune, Claudius Lysias, immediately dispatched two centurions to transport Paul to Felix, the governor living at Caesaria Maritima. Leaving at the third hour of the night were Two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen and mounts for Paul to ride. Moreover, the tribune wrote a letter to Felix the governor to explain and convince him to protect and provide Paul a fair trial.

Paul and the Roman guards arrived at Caesaria. On reading the letter, Felix asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, Governor he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium. [v.34,35]

While God allows danger, His presence is assured. As the psalmist has expressed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” [Psa 46:1] As a result we could have the peace like Paul being safeguarded should we trust in Him. The psalmist concluded;

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.”[Psa 46:10-11]

In the Old Testament, the ravens fed Elijah, the lions guarded Daniel inside the den, Achish, the Philistines protected David..theseare examples of how God could use ungodly and unclean instruments to protect His own people. We could not fathom God’s wisdom. Definitely, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. His people are the apple of His eyes. Thus, the plan of the wicked won’t prosper for the Lord determines their limits and bounds.

Therefore, no matter how overwhelming our situation is, we shouldn’t succumb to these as if we don’t have hope, should we? As Paul, writing at the prison has exhorted us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”[Phil 4:6,7] His peace comes through His safekeeping.

Acts 23:12-22 ESV

12 When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who made this conspiracy. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

16 Now the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, so he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, “Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.” 19 The tribune took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 22 So the tribune dismissed the young man, charging him, “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”

THE PLOT

It’s understandable that the vehement hatred of the religious leaders to Paul exploded as a brewing volcano. Their former number one asset became their number one liability or nemesis. Paul’s 180 degrees transformation couldn’t be explained and in no way it was less than a miracle. More than forty animated Jews made a plot and bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

In unregenerate hearts ‘where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.’, James writes.[Jas 3:16] And Solomon says,

“Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,

but who can stand before jealousy?”[Prov 27:4]

They planned to set an ambush. They would request Paul to go to the council and along the way, they are going to kill Paul. But, God’s hand was upon Paul. Paul was not someone indispensable but God wasn’t finished with him yet. He must witness in Rome, God said. Like him, we are immortal until God’s plan is done in us, are we not?

That his nephew knew the plot, who told Paul. Paul told the centurion, who went to report to the tribune, so that Paul’s nephew was able to tell the tribune personally himself. The amazing part is that these Roman authorities had believed the report without any doubt at all. Weren’t all these a result of God’s sovereign work in the hearts of men. As Solomon says,

“The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;

he turns it wherever he will.”[Prov 21:1]

What’s the implications that Jesus when He sent His disciples to the world, he said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”?[Matt 10:16] Is it not that God may let us pass through the ‘valleys of death’? We may feel vulnerable but also secured. As David said,

“I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.”[Psa 23:4-6]

Acts 23:11 ESV

11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

TAKE COURAGE

God’s ways are inscrutable, are they not? Paul knew he may risked his life in going to Jerusalem. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he was mobbed and illegallly accused of dishonoring the Mosaic law. If not for the Roman tribune, they should had beaten him to death.

The Roman tribune allowed Paul to address the crowd in the temple courtyard (Acts 21:27–40). Paul used that opportunity to explain how he had persecuted Jesus-followers all the way to Damascus in Syria. Before he reached the city, Jesus of Nazareth appeared to him in a great light. Paul became a Jesus-follower that day (Acts 9:1–19; 22:3–16). In short, he took this an opportunity to asset that Jesus is the Messiah.

Thus, the tribune brought him to the council. His testimony had caused the Pharissees and Sadducees in deep conflict or dispute over the fact of ressurection, even becoming violent. The helpless tribune has already learned he can't understand Paul and he can't beat him (Acts 22:1–29) Now, he realizes he can't control him. Paul hasn't broken the law and takes him back to the barracks to regroup.

In all these events, God appeared to him in the night to stand by him. After all, he was here in Jerusalem because of the promptings of the Spirit. [see Acts 20:23-24] This was a needed encouragement. As Jesus has promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” His presense is assured as well us the fulfilment of His purposes. God told him, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” His journey to Rome won’t be easy but it was assured.

Likewise, our journey in this world will have its twists and turns, ups and downs. Nevertheless, with God on our side, who can be against us. [Rom 8:35-37] As Heb 13:5,6 says;

“for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear;

what can man do to me?”[Heb 13:5-6]

In short, it’s God’s presence and promise that fuel our courage.

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Acts 23:6-10 ESV

6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

DIVISION IN THE COUNCIL

The Sanhedrin regulated the practice of Judaism. It was comprised of priests, elders, and scribes, whereby most of them were experts in the Mosaic law. Most of all the priests members of the council belong to the sect of the Sadducees. They followed the Mosaic law only, that is, the first five books of Scripture with no additional regulation. And they tended to be wealthy and got along with the Romans. They believed there is no resurrection from the dead. To their thinking, any blessings God gives will come in this lifetime, so a person needs to get their benefits now.

The Pharisees, however, also followed the Oral Law, which their scribes claimed came from Moses. This is in addition to their belief to the written Law in the Pentateuch. Pharisees believed in the resurrection from the dead. They liked power and money, but they didn't want to risk their chance for more power and riches in the afterlife, so they followed extra-biblical rules. Unlike the Saducees, they disliked the Romans.

The Pharisees and Sadducees’ validations came from the people who saw them as great religious leaders. Both, Jesus and John the Baptist later had criticized both sects (Mat 3:7; 16:6–12).

Here, the Sanhedrin council convened in order to hear and determine whether the accusations against Paul was true or not based on the law. They heard Paul saying, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” As they heard this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Paul's wit worked. He used the dissenting views about the subject of ressurrection to gain sentiment from the Pharisees who believed in ressurection and provoke the Sadducees, who believe not the ressurection. By doing so, he drew attention away from himself. Surely, the message of the ressurection from the dead makes his accusers find hard to handle. (Acts 23:1–6). And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

Their conflict was an indication of how the council had posed externally as respectable but rotten at its core. It is sad that religious leaders would focus and defend a particular persuasion, especially if it’s a non-essential. Their pride to defend their turf had diverted them from the most essential – to know Christ.

Acts 22:30 – 23:1-5 ESV

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.

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God's high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

UNREASONABLENESS

Paul was brought by the tribune to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council that regulates and enforces the Jewish religion. The tribune, a Roman army officer, wanted to know why a mob attacked him in the temple (Acts 21:27–31). Paul wasn't concerned about the tribune. He was much interested now that he had the opportunity. For since he was saved, he now could present his case before the ruling council of his people.

At the start he wanted to affirm his integrity. Though he's been accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple and is in Roman custody (Acts 21:27–36), that doesn't mean he's broken the Jewish law. His statement had ended this meeting before it began. The high priest Ananias became furious and has him struck. In response, Paul accidentally insults the high priest and was sarcastic with him. He said, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

Why Paul was being sarcastic? Perhaps, it was because of Ananias' reputation as a particularly corrupt high priest. He stole tithes meant for lower-ranking priests and used violence, including assassinations, to get what he wanted. Here was one example. He had Paul struck before convicting him of a crime.

A person in authority could be blinded by its power so that he becomes unreasonable. Like the high priest Ananias, an unreasonable person, is inconsistent. Paul highlighted it by saying ‘Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?’ He did not know he was the high priest. If he talked sensibly and acted responsibly, Paul could recognized him. Paul asked apology for his remarks, saying, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

It’s tragic that there are religious leaders who are not living up to their titles. Thus, they had not earned the respect of people because of the unreasonableness and inconsistencies in their lives. There is wisdom to what James is saying, that is, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”[Jas 3:1] While Paul was living a blameless life, Ananaias and the Pharisees did not live up according to their title. Respect shouldn’t be demanded but earned.

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Acts 22:22-29 ESV

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, 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.

RESPONDING TO AN INJUSTICE

The people listened attentively to Paul until he mentioned that he is commissioned to preach to the Gentiles. They cannot accept that a Jew who still follows the Mosaic law would associate with Gentiles, let alone intentionally have fellowship with them. Apparently, their aversion towards the Gentiles was manifested by their violence. 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. The crowd was on a frenzy.

This has caused the tribune to bring him immediately to the barracks in order to question why such violent reactions from the crowd. They thought of flogging Paul for him to squeal the truth. They took a whip and was about to flog him when Paul said, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” Paul is a Roman citizen and cannot be tortured unless he is convicted in a fair trial. This just showed how an authority like a Roman tribunal could react out of instinct not wisdom.

Did not Jesus say we that should be ‘wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove.’? Paul, as a lawyer himself, knew how he should respond as an innocent Roman citizen from an unjust treatment. Christians should be meek and not shoving on people in their throats. But, we should not allow ourselves to be stepped upon as a doormat. God has given us authorities to protect us. They are delegated by God. As Paul said, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”[Rom 13:1-7]