Acts 22: What Spirit-Filled Living Looks Like Under Pressure

We are beginning with Acts 21 and continuing the story into Acts 22. I love Scripture, but so often I wonder how the person in the story felt when they walked through the events that Scripture unfolds. In this story, I wonder… Did Paul tremble when he arrived in Jerusalem? Jerusalem! Oh Jerusalem! Such a SPECIAL place! The temple was here. Jesus walked here. He had precious relationships here. Paul had so much to tell them. He was excited to share that thousands of people had been saved. He told them about the miracles, the healings and the spiritual growth that had taken place. Paul's friends were thrilled to hear how quickly the gospel was spreading throughout the world.   Their excitement was not shared by everyone. Paul wasn't in Jerusalem very long before he was recognized in the temple by people that believed he was teaching against Moses and the law.  Some yelled, "This is the man that is teaching people everywhere beliefs that are against our law. He has brought Greeks into our holy temple. They have polluted our holy place of worship."   Their fury ignited a mob that drug Paul out of the temple into the streets. They had only one intention, getting rid of this trouble maker once and for all. They were going to kill Paul.   The whole city was stirred up. When the chief captain received the report of the turmoil, he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the Jewish people saw the chief captain and the soldiers coming, they stopped beating Paul.   The chief captain arrested Paul. Paul was chained between two soldiers. "Tell me, The chief captain yelled, "Who are you? What have you done?"   The crowd answered for Paul. Some yelled one thing. Others yelled something else. When the captain couldn't understand anyone, he ordered the soldiers to bring Paul to the barracks.   Acts 21:35 When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.    36 For the crowd that followed him kept shouting, "Away with him!"   37 As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?" "Do you speak Greek?" he replied.    39 But Paul answered, "I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people."   40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps   Here I go interrupting another verse! Put yourself into the scene. Now look at Paul and all that has just happened to him. Describe Paul for me. What do you see?   I see… A man aching with pain!  Bloody. Dirty. Clothes torn.   More important, does Paul really believe he can defuse this crowd with his words?   But why would he even try? He is literally steps away from quiet and safety…why bother with the mob that is trying to kill him? Why?   There could be dozens of reasons, but I believe his choices were fueled by Holy Spirit inspired purpose and not comfort. (Acts 20:24)   God had warned him that he would experience trouble in Jerusalem. His inner prompting of the Holy Spirit was confirmed by numerous prophecies. But Paul didn't run from the trouble.   I am convinced that the same Holy Spirit that warned him, strengthen him, empowered him to face it with wisdom and courage. Isn't that what Jesus was saying in Mark     Mark 13:11 But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.   Acts 21:40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew: Wow! I see Paul's wisdom and God's goodness here. God saw beyond the angry mob to see each person standing as an individual with a name, with their own story. Individuals that needed to experience the saving grace of Jesus. I am inclined to look for God in every story, so I believe the great hush was a holy hush, God was with Paul. God didn't just warn Paul, He was with Paul to help him, regardless of why they grew so quiet.   Acts 22:1 BSB the story continues..."Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you."    2  When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared,    3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. (He is establishing himself as one of them.)   4 I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison,    5 as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.   6 About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.    7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?'   8 'Who are You, Lord?' I asked. 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' He replied.    Wait a minute!! Do you hear what Paul is doing? He is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to these people. He is sharing his testimony of the transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. He understood the power of sharing what God had done for him.   Let me ask you, do you realize the intrinsic power of God's Word when it is shared with wisdom and love? Why did God inspire Luke to share this story with all the painful details- the beating-the pulling-chains?   Do you think maybe God is allowing us a glimpse into Paul's story so we can see Spirit filled living modeled for us?   Do you come to Scripture with that kind of bold faith? Listening, looking and searching to hear God's voice speaking to you in a personal way so that it shapes your beliefs, but also shapes the way you think and live. What does Spirit filled living look like? Are you reading your Bible with Precious Holy Spirit? Ask Him to speak to you.   For Paul it meant preaching the gospel to an angry mob when he was steps away from safety…what does it look like in your life. What is God saying to you? Get quiet and listen.   Want To Be Stronger?   Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.