When the commander asks Paul "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen," it reminds me of when Jesus was wrongfully accused and asked by Pilate "Are you the king of the Jews?" Both Paul and Jesus both answered "yes" to the questions that were asked of them. Both were treated unjustly because the people did not understand or did not want to hear the message of Jesus Christ.
Today's passage shows clearly that our status cannot save us in the end. It shows us how much we must endure for God's kingdom and how much we must lose in order to gain. Personally, it teaches me to to be more humble, more gentle, more loving when things are not going the way I want things to go - to endure, to be patient, and to be of a sound mind for God's glory. Paul is such a great example of humility and passion for the Gospel, I am kind of in love with him.
Have a good weekend.
Grace and Peace!
e
1 comment:
thanks esther for an insightful and moving reflection. paul's roman citizenship was highly coveted and afforded him many singular privileges. this passage reminded me that there are some moments in the christian life when your citizenship is to be used as both as a means of protection and as a means of proclaiming the christian gospel. the commander knew he was in BIG trouble when he realized "that he had put paul, a roman citizen, in chains", but paul did not use his citizenship privileges to press charges or to enact revenge. instead he used it as a means by which he could share his testimony. we all need wisdom in order to use our freedoms and privileges wisely, not to advance our own agendas, but to seek the furtherance and expansion of God's kingdom.
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