Scripture
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?”
Observation
Paul continues to address the crowd in Jerusalem.
He tells how, after his conversion, he returned to Jerusalem. While praying, he went into a trance, and Jesus told him to leave Jerusalem and go far away to the Gentiles.
The crowd erupts on hearing the word Gentiles. The commander is at a loss to understand what is happening, at least in part due to the fact that he doesn't speak Aramaic. The commander takes Paul inside and orders him to be whipped until he explains the situation.
Paul then tells the officer that he is a Roman citizen, and it is illegal to punish him without a court hearing. The commander summons the Jewish high council to have Paul stand before them.
Application
There are times when it is right to submit to authorities, and there are times when it is right to stand up for our rights.
In this case, Paul respectfully demands that his rights as a Roman citizen be recognised by the commander. Roman citizens were not allowed to be punished without a trial, so Paul uses that privilege.
Apart from his own personal well being, Paul saw that a trial before the Sanhedrin would be an opportunity to share the gospel. As a respected Jewish scholar, they would have to acknowledge his authority on the the claims of Jesus to be the Messiah.
When we come into conflict with local powers and authorities, we need to ask ourselves whether we are acting from selfish motives or godly motives. Is the Holy Spirit directing my attitudes and actions? If it is the Holy Spirit leading, then we need to pray carefully about the way forward. If we are acting from the flesh, we need to repent and again seek God’s guidance.
Everything I do should be Spirit directed.
Prayer
Lord God, please hep me to be surrendered to you in every detail of my life. When I conflict with those in authority over me, please grant me your wisdom. Amen.
