Acts: To The Ends Of The EarthSample

Like Jesus before him (John 18:22), Paul is struck on the face by his opponents. Also like Jesus, it is not apparent why his words should warrant such a response.

Luke is drawing a further contrast between the Roman justice system, which can be trusted and will treat Paul fairly, and the Jewish system, which violates its own law and quickly descends into chaos.

Paul claims that he is being opposed because he maintains the Pharisees’ conviction about the resurrection (v. 6). The meeting erupts into further chaos—this time because of the contrary convictions of the Sadducees (v. 8).

Paul is once again rescued, this time in danger of being torn to pieces (v. 10).

Verse 11 contains a wonderfully kind reassurance from God—that no matter how dark things look, Paul will testify in Rome. After all, the word of Ananias is yet to be fulfilled—that Paul will carry Christ’s name before the Gentile kings (Acts 9:15).

One wonders how long the forty men mentioned in verses 13 and 14 kept their oath "not to eat anything until we have killed Paul" (v. 14).

The commander assembles an extraordinary detachment of soldiers to guard Paul (v. 23). Jewish opposition is not underestimated, and Paul’s case is treated with the utmost respect by the Roman authorities. The irony is that the Roman pagans become deliverers of God’s apostle from the hands of God’s ancient people.

The God of the Word is in control. Paul is neither fearful nor uncertain. Paul’s perseverance is fed by his trust in God to see His purposes fulfilled. The phrase, "it must happen" is translated from a little Greek word that is one of the most common words used in Acts (it appears over forty times in Luke–Acts).

Again, the gospel and its messenger prevail in the face of insurmountable odds.

Reflection

Acts 23:11 records a direct word from God. Others like this are recorded in Acts 8:26; 9:6, 15; 10:19–20; 13:2; 16:9; 18:9–10; 20:22; 27:24. What do these records tell you about the nature of God and His purpose?