By Robert Austell
Did you know that Jesus spoke very differently to religious people and to the folks he encountered in the villages and roads as he traveled? He seemed to have a higher and tougher standard, perhaps even less patience, for those who claimed to follow God’s Law.
Paul seems to have a similar approach. In speaking to the Roman Tribunal, he was so very straightforward in sharing his life and faith story. But now, brought back to the religious authorities in Jerusalem, he confronts them with their own Law and even stirs up a theological debate between two factions.
It is not clear exactly what his purpose is other than, perhaps, to divide those opposing him in hopes of getting out of the situation alive. (Jesus did something similar to this as well.)
What is clear is that Paul is facing great opposition and risk. He seems to be doing the best he can with no clear direction from God. What he is doing is bearing witness to God when given the opportunity. And finally, just as violence again threatens and the soldiers once again remove him to safety, Paul hears a message from God: “Keep up your courage! Just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”
At the beginning of his conversion, Jesus told Paul he would go on a mission to the Gentiles outside of Jerusalem. His journeys, in Ephesus and the many other places described in Acts, are all a part of that larger story and mission, which will end the farthest from Jerusalem and at the heart of the greatest empire in the world at the time. Truly, this commission is coming to pass through Paul’s ministry and faithfulness, carried by the power of God.
- Have you ever felt like you had a “mission from God?” If so, what was it and was it specific and limited or more broad and enduring? If not, and I told you that everyone has a mission from God, what might you identify as the mission that God has given to you?
- Often people only think of ministers and missionaries as having a “ministry” and a “mission” – yet you go places, interact with people, and work in ways that are unique to you. What is one way you think you could serve God in the unique “mission field” that is your work, school, family, neighborhood, friendships, etc.?
- What other details did you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: Sending God, where are you already working around us? How can we be a part of what you are already doing? Help us listen, trust, and follow. Amen.
