WEDNESDAY November 29, 2023

A Condemned Man

...the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said that he should be examined under scourging, so that he might know why they shouted so against him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.”
Acts 22:24-26

Remember, the Romans were not tolerant of riots. Once the commander saw the commotion restarting, he ordered, “Get this man out of there!” The Roman soldiers pulled Paul into the barracks. One way or another, the commander was determined to find out the truth. Why were the Jews so hostile against him? So he ordered Paul to be examined by scourging. He was bound. Paul could suffer as many as 39 stripes!

Meanwhile, Paul spoke up. They had no idea that Paul was a Roman citizen. He addressed the centurion who stood close by, “Excuse me, is it lawful for you to bind and whip an uncondemned Roman?” The centurion went directly to his commander and said, “Excuse me, did you know this man was a Roman? Take care what you do to this person.” You see, to bind or beat a citizen of Rome was forbidden in Roman law. Paul, as a Roman, was protected.

Remember, Jesus was an innocent Man. The Jews accused Him of blasphemy and wanted him dead. They handed him over to the Romans, seeking a death penalty. Pilate sought the truth, but could find no fault in Him. Jesus was scourged, receiving 39 stripes. Standing bloodied and bruised in front of the crowds, Jesus could have been released, but the people cried out, “Crucify Him.” The Son of Man was condemned and sentenced to crucifixion (John 18:28-40; John 19). Jesus willingly suffered the Cross so that we could become citizens of heaven.

At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good, and [he] was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship.
~Josephus~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!