Acts: Go & Be Chapters 19-28နမူနာ

What is this passage saying?

The crowds erupted in greater rage when they heard about Paul’s mission to the Gentiles, expressed in verse 21. As verse 22 says, “the crowd listened to Paul until he said this.” Quickly, the Jewish mob begins jumping into judgment as they demand an immediate verdict: Paul’s life! They declare that he is “not fit to live.” They were outraged and disgusted that Paul would even suggest God might have a plan for the Gentiles. This is a heartbreaking passage because it reminds us of the sinful condition of human hearts. The Jews remind us that all people, at all times and in all places, struggle with pride, arrogance, selfishness, and jealousy. For the Jews, to suppose that God doesn’t play favorites is also to suppose that God loves and pursues every people group equally. The Jews simply could not reason with this supposition. However, despite their outrage and this hopeless situation, Paul drops a MacGuffin. As it turns out, Paul is a Roman citizen. This news shocked the commander and the interrogators.

What is this passage teaching?

This passage shows us yet again that God fights for us. When we are surrendered to him and committed to the cause of disciple-making, scripture tells us, “I am with you until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). God’s presence is with us when we are making disciples - that’s a promise. He gave us His Holy Spirit for a reason. We are empowered not to live a comfortable, complacent, or “just good enough” life. We are instead empowered to be disciple-makers. So, even in dire situations, like the one Paul was in, God fights for us and makes a way. The news of Paul’s citizenship sparked hope in his situation. God's providence was displayed as Paul sought to spread the Gospel everywhere he went.

How do I respond?

Trust Exodus 14:14 today. It says, “the LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” When you think a situation has gone south or all hope has been lost, you can trust that God is still fighting for you. Maybe you’re not awaiting trial, but maybe accusers have come forward to slander you or gossip about you. Maybe their accusations are true, or maybe they are false. Regardless, you can trust that God is fighting for you and offers you forgiveness from sin.