Paul Under Persecution

Paul Under Persecution
Acts 22:17-23:35
- We are halfway through Paul's address to the Jews in Jerusalem (giving his testimony)
- In Matthew 10:16-22 Jesus gives instruction about how to deal with persecution. This is perfectly displayed in Paul's testimony.
- Christians today are still persecuted around the world and in desperate need to be "innocent as doves" and "wise as serpents."
Three important lessons we learn from Matthew Chapter 10:66-22 that we see in Paul’s example.
1. We are going to be hated
- The motivation of their hatred of Paul is their "racism"—believing that the Gentiles do not have direct access to God except through Jewish traditions.
- They are enraged by Paul's statement that he is sent to the Gentiles also.
- Hatred of another person because they look different from you is sinful.
- The solution to this problem is the gospel of Christ—believing that everybody is made in the image of God and that everyone is sinful and equally in need of God.
- There is no justification for racism in the Christian worldview.
- We are the salt of the earth—the reason we need to be engaged in the world, gleaning from the wisdom of our fathers in faith.
2. We must be wise in how we navigate the situation
- Paul is a citizen of Rome, and it is wrong to mistreat a Roman citizen
- He invoked his Roman citizenship for self-protection.
- He also sided with the Pharisees (believers of the resurrection) because he wanted to witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- He managed to preach to some Roman authorities by using the Roman system well.
- Every good thing in this worldly system can be used (when done carefully) to advance the kingdom of God.
3. Remember that Christ is with us
- Paul's source of joy, courage, and resolve as he goes through these difficult times is the presence of the Lord with him.
- "The Lord stood by him..." (Acts 23:11)
- Christ wants to tell Paul that what he is experiencing is not random and he is not alone.
We may not see Christ physically stand by us. Nevertheless, we know that this is also true for us. Whatever trial we are in, there is purpose for it and Christ is with us; we are never alone.
"And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
If we would but grasp how much He cares, we would be at ease in all circumstances.
Take courage. Persevere. Don't give up.
Christ is worth serving to the ends of the earth.