TUESDAY January 2, 2024
Making an Appearance
The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them.
Acts 22:30
Today, we shall go back to the book of Acts, to move toward into the final years of the Apostle Paul’s amazing life. We left him when he addressed an angry crowd that grew silent when Paul waved to still them as he prepared to speak. Surprised that he spoke to them in Hebrew, they listened to him even more intently. Paul hoped he could reach the Jews with the Gospel. He took full advantage of the opportunity given to him.
Sadly, as he shared his testimony with his Jewish brethren, the crowd violently erupted at the mention of salvation being extended to the Gentiles. Once again, Paul had to be rescued by Roman soldiers and placed in protective custody in a Roman garrison. There was a lot of action going on here! The commander ordered Paul to be scourged, but soon after he found out that he was a Roman citizen! It was unlawful to beat or imprison a Roman citizen. What should the commander do?
The commander was intrigued to know why there was such a stir about Paul among the Jews. What was the underlying problem? What were the charges and grievances the Jews held against him? So after some thought, he decided to gather the chief priests and their council so that Paul could be released to speak before them. The commander could simply listen to them while they discussed matters.
In His sovereignty, God had given Paul yet another opportunity; he would make an appearance in front of the entire Jewish council to give his testimony.
I believe as we work, God will always give us opportunities to tell others about his Son. ... We are there to reach out to love them and to save them, and as a Christian, I do this in the name of Jesus Christ.
~Franklin Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
