Acts 21:37-23:10 Fear & Loathing by those in Jerusalem

Paul speaks of his own background – identifying himself as a Jew with them.  He outlines his credentials – brought up in Jerusalem, trained under Gamaliel in the law of their forefathers.  He shares his religious activity and zeal – he was as zealous as any of them were, he persecuted followers of the way to death, he arrested them and threw them into prison, he went travelling with a view to imprisoning Christians in Jerusalem.  

His conversion was sudden, as Jesus met him and he saw and understood who He was and what He was calling Him to do.  He was clearly called to know God’s will, to see Jesus and to be His witness to all people of what he had seen and heard. 

Again, Paul goes out of his way to avoid unnecessary offence.  He deliberately uses Aramaic and speaks well of Ananias.  Paul was completely concerned for his enemies and seeks to win them for Jesus.  The question asked of me is do I care for those who are hostile to me in the same way that Paul did?

Paul thinks he will be best served going to the Jews because of his remarkable  conversion – however, God is calling him to go to the Gentiles, because He knows and chooses where he will be best used.  We must remember God knows best and will place us and use us where He deems best. 

In contrast with Philippi, Paul chooses to use his rights of citizenship to prevent a beating.  In keeping with 1 Cor 9, Paul is willing to use his rights and his surrendering them to Christ to serve Christ best. 

Paul confesses to the Sanhedrin that he has done all that God has asked him to do in good faith and with a clear conscience.  As per Acts 24:16, Paul strives to keep his conscience clear before both God and humans.  This ought to be a clear distinctive of my ministry.

Paul keeps his cool, even when acting fiercely.  He retains righteous anger.  However, he also plays the situation with cunning and cleverness.  He effectively divides the Pharisees and Sadducees against each other.  Paul’s supreme concern is that the truth come out and the gospel be proclaimed.  Again, we should be those whose supreme motivations are to spread the good news of Jesus to all.