Acts 23 - Paul Trust God's Word


23 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”
Over the next several chapters, Paul will undergo many of the same trials as Jesus did.  The chief priests and Pharisees are looking for a way to get rid of Paul due to their jealousy and insecurity.  In this chapter, they start a plot to kill him on his way to the Roman commander.  But Paul's nephew hears about the plot, and he warns the commander who  transfers him to Caesarea.  
What I am impressed with is Paul's resolve in the face of being persecuted and unfairly treated.  When the high priest Ananias orders those near him to stike him on the mouth Paul rebukes him calling him a, "whitewashed tomb".  When Paul realizes he struck a high priest he says, "Brothers I did not realize he was a high priest for it is written, "Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people."
Why is this important?  Paul is quoting from Exodus 22 one of the laws of the Jewish people.  Despite the fact that Ananias is a "whitewashed tomb", Paul respects the Old Testament law and recognizes his error.  This shows integrity as Paul could have continued in his rant but he shows respect to the authority of the high priest. 
What might this mean for us?  Sometimes we are called to fight for justice and what is right.  But in doing this we need to be respectful of authority.  For instance we shouldn't break the law or seek to undermine the one called to lead.  This can lead to all kinds of division and become a bigger problem than the original one.  God will justify His cause.  We speak the truth in love and then allow God's will to be done.  Sometimes it is hard to surrender the outcome, but as we see God protected Paul in many amazing ways, as Paul was faithful to obey His word! 

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