Speaking personally,
I've always found the final handful of chapters in Acts to be something of a
struggle to read. It's not that it's hard to understand what's happening: the
open clash between Jewish traditionalists and Paul and the new Christian "Way"
(Acts 22:4; 24:14,22; see also 9:2; 19:9,23) that has been brewing for some
considerable time finally erupts onto the streets of Jerusalem following his
public testimony and defence (22:3-22); Paul is arrested, initially as a
disturber of the peace (v22-24; see also 24:5-9) but then later for his own
protection (23:12-22). From then, he is pushed around from one Roman pillar to
post, up the chain of responsibility from lesser official to higher authorities
- no-one really knowing what to do with him or how to handle his case; until
finally he stands to testify before the procrastinating Roman Governor Felix,
then Festus, then the King (chapters 23-25).
That's how the story
unfolds. Certainly there are a couple of 'blessed thoughts' along the way that
keep us devotionally engaged (see for example: 23:1,11 and 24:16,24); and the
manner in which Paul shares his testimony among unbelievers is helpful and instructive
(22:3-21 and 26:1-23) and we'll have a look at that more fully next time. But what are we meant to take away from these
chapters that will be of spiritual benefit and encouragement to us in our walk
with the Lord? Let me suggest…
As we read these
chapters we gain a sense of Paul's commitment to Christ and the Gospel, even
when he is not in control of the details of his own life. He is falsely accused again and again, and
those to whom he is unaccountable don't really seem to care. He's becoming entangled in an antagonistic,
bureaucratic mess, not of his making. Other people are making decisions
concerning him that determine what happens next. He seems to be carried along
by circumstances rather than by personal choice. And often, does not that seem
to be the way life is? Our plans, our ideas, even our dreams - are overtaken by
overriding interruptions and unexpected turns of events that stop us in our
tracks. The temptation to rebel against providence (God's providence) and sink
into despair are very real.
Nevertheless, there
is no sense of Paul's impatience or anger at the injustice he is
experiencing. And while 'God' does not
feature prominently in the foreground of the action, it is clear that it is
faithful service to the Lord and an active trust in God's sovereign supervision
of his life that is keeping Paul at peace. Paul has a definite, God-given sense that he will get to Rome and there
testify to the Gospel and be an encouragement to the Christians there (Acts
23:11; 25:12; see also Romans 1:8-15;
15:17-33 - written when Paul was en route
to Jerusalem [as per Acts 21-22], but prayerfully hoping after that to have a
speedy, onward journey to the believers in Rome). But God is as interested in
what happens (and how we respond) during the journey, than us simply reaching
the destination. It's a pilgrim's progress we're watching in these chapters.
And so everything *will* happen in God's perfect way and in His perfect time,
despite the unwanted and unexpected obstacles that stop us in our tracks and
send us down another path. That's what Paul knew. And so, maybe, that's what these chapters
encourage us to believe, no matter what the uncertainty of today and tomorrow…
No comments:
Post a Comment