There are times in our lives where we will hear someone say something like, “Not on my watch!” It can be a nurse in the ER who is trying to save a patient’s life…or a cop who is chasing down a man who is trying to get away after committing a crime…or maybe a parent who discovers a child attempting something foolish or dangerous – and they say, “Not on my watch!” There is a certain determination and conviction in a person’s heart and mind as to how something will “go down” when this phrase is used.
As believers, we ought to have the same insistence when it comes to treating each other with kindness and genuine love – and treating strangers in like fashion – no matter the color of the skin, or the ethnic background, or the personal beliefs. We must take care to see all God’s creation as God’s creation. Consider these 3 ways God challenges the cultural norms:
Not Who They Thought He Was:
Paul was not who the mob and the Roman soldier thought him to be. He does not attempt to blend into the culture. He instead chooses to be “real” with those assaulting him. Paul spoke Hebrew (22:2). Paul had a Jewish background (22:3). Paul studied with Gamliel (22:3). Paul pointed to common ground (22:3-4) with phrases like: “taught according to the perfect manner of the law,” “persecuted this way unto the death,” and “binding and delivering into prisons.” Paul also spoke of high-ranking references (22:5) with “high priest doth bear me witness.”
The Jews were only “okay” with Paul, so long as he was just like them. The riot scene calms when they hear commonality. As soon as common goals & beliefs ceased…so did civility. This sounds a lot like extreme Muslims or some gender confusion groups in today’s culture – destroy those who do not embrace Allah or out yell/intimidate those who do not agree. Even when we do not agree with the unsaved, we must still look to reach them for Christ and pray for them!
We don’t like the civil unrest…the racism…the abortion movement, LBGQT movement – and we shouldn’t, as it was a Biblical issue before it was ever a political issue. However, when was the last time we sought to reach these for Christ – or even pray for their salvation?!
Not What They Had Heard Before (22:6-21)
Paul shares his testimony of salvation and call to serve.
Imagine with me the possibilities. Imagine:
You receive a beautiful free car
You receive an amazing, renovated home for free
Taxes are already paid when you receive these gifts
The same gifts are available to anyone who will ask
When friends ask where you got these things, what do you say? Do you say, “I don’t know what to say?” Do you say, “I’m not good at talking to people?” Do you think, “I’ll let someone else tell my friends?” If your friends find out after the offer expires and they ask you, “Why didn’t you tell me?!” What will you say?
The point is we would most likely tell anyone who would listen about that free gift offer. We would probably tell strangers at Walmart. Why wouldn’t we? It’s good news! Paul is telling even his enemies (those who attempted his murder) of Jesus. Church of God, please share your Jesus story with those who will listen. Embrace your love for Christ so much that it is the natural response to want to tell others of His love, His sacrifice, His victory over sin, and His eternal provision for all who believe.
Not How They Think (22:21-24)
Gentiles were unclean, rejected, & hated by the Jews. Paul reached out to the Gentiles – and that was inexcusable for the Jews. In the end, the Jews were losing control of the cultural narrative as Paul accepted the people group they rejected and preached the true message.
God changed the cultural norm and opened their eyes to severe prejudice they considered to be spiritual. It is often hard to have our own wrong thinking revealed as unbiblical!
We must take care to see all God’s creation as God’s creation. No matter their background or beliefs…they all need Christ – just like you and I. Not all of those in the Bible were appealing individuals, but the Lord sought them out!
Lot embraced Sodom & Gomorrah
The Israelites were complaining, mouthy people
Jonah embraced a bitter spirit
The smelly shepherds in the fields were drawn to Christ at His birth…as well as the affluent wise men bringing expensive gifts
Paul himself was a murderer and persecutor before salvation
You & I were rebellious enemies of God as well!
Here are 5 helpful gospel hints from Acts 22.
A more effective gospel witness will:
1. Speak in their 1st language (22:2)
2. Find common ground (22:3-5, 20)
3. Share your Jesus story with excitement (22:6-16)
4. Stick close to truth (don’t exaggerate) (22:19)
5. Ask questions when confronted (22:25-28)
We are all created in God’s image and God loves His creation with an eternal love. May we love others as God loves us!