What is the point of this account (22:22-29) about Paul claiming Roman citizenship? It is to show that the Romans were dealing with Paul far more justly than his own spiritual brothers. We see the same in the trial of Jesus and Luke wants us to see the parallel. Here are the Jews, at the height of religious-nationalistic zeal, and yet they are prepared to commit gross injustice against one of their own for reasons that have been proven completely empty. This strikes right at the heart of the very law that they claimed to uphold. They were prepared to kill Paul on the spot without a trial! The situation is rich with irony. This would in fact be the kind of situation that would bring the nation down. According to the Jewish historian Josephus it was the factionalism and infighting amongst the Jews that led to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD. More Jews died in the infighting than by the hands of the Romans. The Romans just finished off the job and, by Josephus’ account, they did so reluctantly. Whatever the case, a bad situation was brewing when Paul was in Jerusalem, and God was using him to bring the problems of his people to the surface. God will use people in your life also to do this, and you may despise them for it. Relationships can bring out the best and worst in us and both are necessary. If someone brings out the worst in you, whatever you do, don’t blame them. Face the infection that God is bringing to the surface and you will be saved from it.
Reflect on what you have seen in yourself lately and confess it to God.
Read Acts 22:22-29 again
