SCRIPTURE: Acts 23
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’ But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. [Mark 14:60-61] When Paul lashes out at the high priest, we can sympathize. I have been in situations where I felt unfairly accused, and responded in anger. Paul’s response seems more natural than Jesus’.
After his outburst, Paul apologizes. Respect for our leaders should apply even when they act unjustly. The radical call to follow Jesus is not an excuse for insurrection, rebellion or disrespect. To follow Jesus is to do what is right, whether it is acceptable to others or not, and trust God to vindicate us. Jesus simply spoke and lived the will of God, and allowed God to be His vindication. When falsely accused, He remained silent and gave no answer.
Paul manages to divide his accusers with a shrewd trick, he raises the subject of the resurrection (i.e. that there is life after death), which the Sadducees (the ‘liberals’ of the Jewish parliament, or Sanhedrin) did not believe. The controversy turns the ‘parliament’ into a mad house (sounds like the Canadian parliament), and Paul is removed for his own protection. The Roman officials do not understand what is going on, they just see the potential for violence and rebellion.
How we respond to wrong or unjust situations is important here. Was it wise or right for Paul to use a trick to divide the Sanhedrin? Was it wise or right for him to backtalk to the high priest? Was it wise or right for the high priest to order that Paul be slapped? Was it wise or right for the Jews to make a vow to not eat until Paul was killed? Jesus urges us to act and react wisely, humbly, honourably. Paul later reminds the Roman Jesus-followers not to respond as he did here, but to overcome evil with blessing and goodness. Read Romans 12:17-21. This is the way of Jesus. It’s not easy, but it’s for the best. Think about these forty Jews who vowed not to eat until they had murdered this man accused of breaking God’s law (isn’t murder breaking God’s law?). Did they keep their vows after Paul escaped?
I hear in this passage a reminder to quiet my heart, to not overreact to my circumstances, to entrust my situation to the Lord, and to do and say what is right, whether it’s easy or not.
PRAYER:
Lord, I do not have the strength to do this myself, give me Your Spirit, and help me have a humble, quiet heart, confident in You!
Stand up for Jesus is what Paul did. And he did not stand alone. God was with him. Paul knew his audience and used that to his advantage. God’s purpose will come to pass not matter what man may do. They even tried to kill Paul, only to find out that it speeded up God plan – proclaim the gospel also in Rome. God uses man’s feeble plans His purpose to fulfill. His kingdom will come in full. How am I able to see the hand of God in the daily affairs of life? No matter the obstacles – as with Paul, as with the Israelites entering the land – I need to have full confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord and His will wil be done. In that power and strength I need to travel this day that He has made. And I need to start once again saying and living that today God is first in all I do and say. All for Jesus.
In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone