Thoughts for the Day

Paul defends himself

He addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: ‘Brothers and fathers, listen to the defence that I now make before you.’ When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then he said: ‘I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

‘While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” I answered, “Who are you, Lord?” Then he said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.” Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. I asked, “What am I to do, Lord?” The Lord said to me, “Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.” Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus.

‘A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, came to me; and standing beside me, he said, “Brother Saul, regain your sight!” In that very hour I regained my sight and saw him. Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.”

Paul Sent to the Gentiles

‘After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw Jesus saying to me, “Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.” And I said, “Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And while the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I myself was standing by, approving and keeping the coats of those who killed him.” Then he said to me, “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.”’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In today's reading from Chapter 22, we see Paul addressing the crowd in Jerusalem, recounting his dramatic conversion and the divine purpose that has now consumed his life, as he continues his mission to bring the good news to the Gentiles. In an earlier attempt to talk to them in the Temple, a hostile crowd had given him a beating. To prevent him being killed the Roman tribune had thrown him into prison, before checking his credentials and allowing him to address the crowd.

Paul speaks in Hebrew and his Hebrew name, 'Saul', is used. This indicates that despite his Roman citizenship and his missionary work among the Gentiles, he has not forgotten his Jewish heritage. He then recounts his background as a Pharisee and his persecution of the early Christians. He openly admits his past mistakes and acknowledges his role in persecuting believers, before he tells them of his experience on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ who called him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. This is a powerful testimony to God’s grace, who has called and equipped him for this work.

We may not be called to such exalted and demanding work, for God calls each one of us to different work. Sometimes it's boring and repetitive work but there is no one who wants to do it! At other times it is demanding and scary work, and everyone else has refused to do it. God will keep knocking on our door, though and we need to listen out for Him!

Lord Jesus,
You call us again and again throughout our life.
Often we fail to hear You for the noise around us.
Sometimes we're just too busy,
and at other times we don't fancy the work,
or think we can't do it.
Help us remember that You are always there to support us,
and only a 'prayer call' away.
Amen.