Acts (19)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

The video for lesson 19 is the same as for lesson 17. You can view it by clicking here (scroll down to Lesson 17).

Read and meditate on Acts 22.22-29.
The commander was apparently not a very good listener. Or else he had a short memory, or had a little memory lapse about the niceties of Roman law. Paul had already explained that he was a citizen, meaning a Roman citizen in good standing. A commander could perhaps be excused for such ignorance; but not a centurion. You can bet Paul understood this.

For reflection
1.  Paul “went over the head” of the commander in this situation. He did so graciously and tactfully, by asking the centurion about a fine point of Roman law. He trusted the centurion would take it from there. How could Paul remain so cool and collected in this situation, and what can we learn from him?

2. Paul was born into citizenship; he didn’t have to buy his way into it, like the commander (v. 28). His parents had obviously become Roman citizens before he was born. Do you think this bit of common ground might have affected the commander’s attitude toward Paul? Explain.

3.  Here we get a look at Roman hinterland justice: beat the truth out of them. Inquiries, deliberations, hearings – all that takes time. Just flog ‘em ‘til they ‘fess up. Paul was familiar with that protocol and played the Roman citizenship card more forcefully than before. He thought the commander had understood the first time around. Now he needed to make sure. “Is it lawful…?” He would make the Romans live by their own code, or risk the consequences of violating it. It was a fearful thing to find oneself at odds with Roman justice. Paul would make Roman law work for him every way he could, even into the presence of the Emperor. When in Rome… Is there a principle here to guide our own witness for the Lord?

4.  Paul had earlier written that government is God’s servant for good (Rom. 13.1-4). But it takes good citizens to make government do what’s right and good. It was not good that Paul be flogged, or turned over to the Jews. He would make Roman government serve God’s good purposes by invoking Roman law and public policy to the advantage of the Gospel. Should Christians try to influence the work of government in other ways? Explain.

5.  What is our responsibility in helping American government fulfill its charge to be a servant of God for good? Is there anything in our Founding documents that might serve as a ground to stand on in trying to shape the actions of government toward a more Biblical mode? Explain.

Summary
God works through human governments, and God’s people need to understand how government can be invoked, appealed to, or otherwise influenced for the Kingdom purposes of God. What are the likely consequences, in an age such as ours, of Christians simply turning their backs on being involved in politics and government?

Summary
It’s a good thing someone in this situation had paid attention during civics class! Paul, a prisoner of Rome, was now using Roman policy to extend his life – and his ministry. Was he being pragmatic, or merely practical? What’s the difference?

Closing Prayer
Praise the LORD from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;
Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;
Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven.

Psalm 148.7-13

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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