defense in Jerusalem

Good morning all,
This morning we get a great example of Paul's ability to speak clearly and with integrity to different audiences. We saw yesterday that he was attacked by a large Jewish mob who wanted to kill him. He was rescued by being arrested by the Roman forces. Today Paul begins by addressing the Roman tribune in Greek. Paul's fluent Greek and comfort addressing this gentile official opens the tribune's ears to what Paul says, and shows that he is someone comfortable in Roman society. He also mentions his citizenship here, which has been important before and will be again as our story develops.

Paul then addresses the crowd to make his defense to them, and he does so in Hebrew. In Hebrew he points to his own credentials as an observant and serious Jew. His Hebrew language emphasizes the point he is trying to make: "I am one of you." Paul then begins to tell the story of how he moved from being an ardent persecutor of the church to a radical evangelist for Christ. Regardless of who he addresses Paul understands his audience and seeks to connect the gospel to their experience. While he is flexible and creative in his presentation he always sticks to the truth of God's love and calling even when this will be unpopular, as we'll see tomorrow.

May God give you courage and creativity in your day today,
Sam

Acts 21:37-22:5

37Just as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” The tribune replied, “Do you know Greek? 38Then you are not the Egyptian who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand assassins out into the wilderness?” 39Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city; I beg you, let me speak to the people.” 40When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people for silence; and when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying:

22:1”Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense that I now make before you.” 2When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then he said:

3”I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, 5as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.