Tag: Roman commander

Morning Reading: Acts 23:12-22 NLT – murder conspiracy

Reading: Acts 23:12-22 NLT

shadow conspiracyThe next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. There were more than forty of them in the conspiracy. They went to the leading priests and elders and told them, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. So you and the high council should ask the commander to bring Paul back to the council again. Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way.”

But Paul’s nephew — his sister’s son — heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. Paul called for one of the Roman officers and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him.”

So the officer did, explaining, “Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

The commander took his hand, led him aside, and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

Paul’s nephew told him, “Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information.  But don’t do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to ambush him. They have vowed not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him. They are ready now, just waiting for your consent.”

“Don’t let anyone know you told me this,” the commander warned the young man.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – Once again we hold onto your promise that everything will work together for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose for them. Thank you for friends and family who love us and would support and protect us. Thank you for those in authority who do what’s right whether or not it’s popular. Holy Spirit – Deliver us from evil… and guide us. Give us a balance between human wisdom and prudence and godly trust and obedience. May we always count the cost and make wise choices that honor you.  Lord Jesus –  We are yours… lead us in your righteousness… make your way plain before us. All to the glory of God. Amen.

Hymn: “Lead Me Lord”

Morning Reading: Acts 22:30-23:11 NLT – high council divided

Reading: Acts 22:30-23:11 NLT

The next day the commander ordered the leading priests into session with the Jewish high council. He wanted to find out what the trouble was all about, so he released Paul to have him stand before them.

Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”

Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”

Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”

“I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”

Pharisees and SadduceesPaul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!”

This divided the council—the Pharisees against the Sadducees — for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up and began to argue forcefully. “We see nothing wrong with him,” they shouted. “Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him.” As the conflict grew more violent, the commander was afraid they would tear Paul apart. So he ordered his soldiers to go and rescue him by force and take him back to the fortress.

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give me the wisdom and humility to respect duly appointed authorities… and yet speak the truth whether they like it or not. Thank You for those who are committed to maintaining the rule of law. And thank You for Your promise that everything will work together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose for them. Fill my heart with love for You… and give me the courage to trust You in all things. Amen.

Hymn: “Trust and Obey” – Hillsong Kids

Morning Reading: Acts 22:24-29 NLT – rights of citizenship

Reading: Acts 22:24-29 NLT

Paul a Roman CitizenThe commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so furious. When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?”

When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked, “What are you doing? This man is a Roman citizen!”

So the commander went over and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes, I certainly am,” Paul replied.

“I am, too,” the commander muttered, “and it cost me plenty!”

Paul answered, “But I am a citizen by birth!”

The soldiers who were about to interrogate Paul quickly withdrew when they heard he was a Roman citizen, and the commander was frightened because he had ordered him bound and whipped.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – You have made us all different and scattered us among the nations of the earth. We are all equally made in your image…  with intrinsic value and dignity… deserving of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But the nations of the world are not equal… socio-economincally, politically, religiously, militarily. Citizenship matters… passports matter… and some of your children are stuck where they are in fear for their lives… while others wander the earth as refugees looking for a safe place to live. Protect your children, Heavenly Father. May they know your bounty as citizens of your Kingdom… and may they live as children of their Heavenly King… regardless of their personal circumstances. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn: “The Pilgrim’s Song” (Children of the Heavenly King) – John Cennick (1743)

Children of the heavenly King, As you journey sweetly sing. Sing your Savior’s worthy praise, Glorious in his works and ways!

Ye are traveling home to God, In the way the fathers trod: They are happy now, and ye, Soon their happiness shall see.

O ye banished seed be glad! Christ your Advocate is made; Us to save our flesh assumes, Brother to our souls becomes.

Shout ye little flock and blest, You on Jesu’s throne shall rest; There your seat is now prepar’d, There’s your kingdom and reward.

Fear not brethren joyful stand, On the borders of your land; Jesus Christ, your Father’s Son, Bids you joyfully come on.

Lord, obediently we go, Gladly leaving all below; Only thou our Leader be, And we still will follow thee!