Acts 22

In Acts 22, Paul begins the chapter by giving his testimony of his transformation. He acknowledges that he is speaking to jews, and begins to speak in the Hebrew language. He finds this common ground and gains this opportunity to speak to the people about the Gospel.

At this time, the Jews were not easily obedient to accepting the Gentiles. They refused to share the word with them, almost as if they were not worthy of knowing the same Lord they they knew (sound familiar to christians now?). When Paul began to speak their language, they hushed down, and decided at that point that they wanted to tune in to see what this man had to say.

Paul's testimony is a powerful one (isn't it always?!). Have you ever given a testimony that might have frightened you for years until spoken? God puts on our hearts the words and hope for others to receive our stories, and learn from them. This is also what He had done for Paul.

Paul told the jews about his life as a "pre-christian". He didn't excuse or take pride in his faults, but he wanted the people to really understand that second chance. The chance that says, this is where Paul came from, and this is where he is going. Christians can make wonderful impacts in the world when they don't take themselves as a perfect creation. Testimonies of journeys from deep dark places to brighter, worship-filled days is something to be spoken of.

In addition, Paul told his listeners about the Lord speaking to him. Paul didn't stop the story with only discussing his flaws and dangerous ways. He didn't leap from being the bad guy to the good. He told the most important part of the testimony; the place he was at with the Lord, and most importantly, what was said. He used God's words, and told them what God has called him to do. This is the real substance that will bring people closer to our God. We need to talk about our relationship with him. The beginning, present and what we are striving for with his hand in ours.

Although we would like to believe that we can simply deliver our testimony and it will be received with hugs and tears and a newly saved person, that isn't the case. In Acts 22:21, Paul mentions God's command to go to the Gentiles. The Jews were furious of this! They wanted only their traditions and were not going to listen to another word that this Paul guy had to say. In fact, they were already planning on taking him away. Talk about backfire!

They convicted him of blasphemy; the very same conviction that was given to Jesus. Obviously, God has a much larger plan than to keep Paul in prison. They take him to court and he tells them that he is a Roman citizen, and appeals for justice. I have a feeling that this will now allow him to continue sharing the gospel of Jesus. Stay tuned in to Acts 23, but most of all, stay focused.

Sharing Dad's book,
Ashley