August 21st, 2012
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Death Threats

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Opening Prayer

Mighty God, I praise You for the hope that sustains, the grace that binds, and for the Savior who reigns.

Read Acts 23:12-35

[12] The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. [13] More than forty men were involved in this plot. [14] They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. [15] Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” [16] But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. [17] Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” [18] So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” [19] The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” [20] He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. [21] Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” [22] The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.” [23] Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. [24] Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.” [25] He wrote a letter as follows: [26] Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings. [27] This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. [28] I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. [29] I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. [30] When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him. [31] So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. [32] The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. [33] When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. [34] The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, [35] he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

Remember that God’s Son came under attack and died at the hands of those who rejected him and his message. The servant is not above his master.

Think Further

It seems there have always been places somewhere in the world where being a Christian is not just a source of ridicule but a threat to one’s life. As I write, the most prominent places are in parts of the Middle East, but by the time you read this that may have changed. Usually it happens out of misplaced religious zeal. It ought not to be surprising; Jesus himself warned his disciples that this would happen (Luke 21:12). Paul used to lead the mayhem himself until Jesus intervened.

Many of us, however, are used to years of cultural dominance or at least privilege, and to the most non-violent opposition. Violent opposition would, therefore, be a shock as well as a challenge. How would we react? What is encouraging about today’s reading is that Paul’s response is not just a matter of individual reaction, of personal courage and conviction—though it is all those things. Paul has the support of his family (16) and he has Roman citizenship. He also has a tribune and a Governor who take the rule of the law seriously. Behind them all is a God who can make use of anyone, whether they call on his name or not. 

So the chapter turns into an adventure story, with Paul in protective custody and some very hungry and thirsty assassins left behind (21). Even in the direst circumstances, Luke shows a very dry sense of humor. These men had made a dramatic gesture, which at some point they would have to abandon quietly or starve to death. What happened to them? Perhaps fanaticism is sometimes best countered by humor!

Apply

Pray for protection for Christians who are being persecuted. Thank God for people of integrity in high places, of whatever persuasion.

Closing prayer

Father, I pray for those being persecuted or living in violent cities, war-torn families and other difficult places. Sustain and strengthen them.

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