That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well. Acts 23:11 NLT
There’s a story in the Old Testament of Elijah waiting to hear from God. The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:11. There was a thrashing wind, an earthquake and a fire, but the Lord was not in any of those. Then came a gentle whisper. It was in this manner God spoke to Elijah. Yet, God doesn’t always speak in whispers either.
Here in Acts, Paul is giving his story, his testimony, to an agitated group of Jewish religious leaders. The crowd, hearing Paul speaking in Aramaic, quietly hung on every word. They listened intently that is until Paul said, But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’ Acts 22:21. Within moments the crowd turned on him and began rioting. Jews would show their disdain by tossing off their robes and throwing dirt into air – both signs of rejection. Maybe the “dust-bombing” was connected to “shake the dust from your feet,” dismissing Gentiles or Jesus telling his followers to do similar when Jewish towns would reject the message of him being the Messiah. Riots triggered quick responses from the Roman guards because of “pax romana,” or Roman peace. The Roman watch commander dragged Paul away and ordered him whipped for causing the ruckus. Paul smartly asked the officer, ready to beat him, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” Paul had a legal, natural born Roman citizenship and knew his rights! Even the commander had to “buy” his own “Roman rights.” The next day, the commander called in the religious leaders to get to the real cause of the disturbance.
Within moments the high priest has someone walk up and slap Paul’s face for being sassy, and immediately declaring his innocence, when he said, “I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!” Paul quickly retorted back, “God will slap you, you corrupt whitewashed wall!” He didn’t realize that Ananias was the high priest and apologized for his harsh words.
Paul knew the situation was not good for him, so he brilliantly declared the “real” reason he was on trial, saying, “I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!” He knew the council was filled with both Pharisees and Sadducees. His own tribe believed in the resurrection, the opponents, the Sadducees did not. This started yet another riot! The Roman commander, once again had to pull Paul out of the place lest the religious leaders tear him apart.
That night, back in the Roman holding cell, Paul hears from God. God speaks to Paul amidst the craziness of chaos, debates and riots! God tells Paul his assignment is to get to Rome! Paul would eventually, rightfully and legally plead his case to Caesar himself! The book of acts, written by Luke is likely the notes Paul used to share his testimony to the emperor himself. Paul’s closest companions begged him not to go. And, as we read the 13 letters from Paul to the churches throughout the Roman empire, he was imprisoned almost the entire time. What a story! You never know how, when or where God might speak to you and call you to purpose that He has designed just for you! Be ready, that’s all I advise.
Prayer
Dad,
We use a popular phrase to help us deal with the extraordinary ways you place a calling on our lives. “You equip those you call.” I believe it. I have lived it and seen it come true in so many lives. It is an honor to hear and obey your voice, your calling. May we continue to recognize that calling in others and encourage each other along the way. Amen.