The Book of Acts: Week 7 - Devotion 1

Intro: We often try to hide the shameful parts of our past. Paul accepts his past, knowing that it can not be undone, but his future is now in Christ, which is where he keeps eyes.

Text: Read Acts 22:1-29

Information:  As Paul continues his travels and his ministry, Paul is eventually arrested in the temple in Jerusalem (Acts 21:30-33). Before he is placed in the barracks, Paul requests to speak to the crowd in defense of his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts his former zeal in persecuting to death, and his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul tells the people that even he, someone who once sought to silence Christians, is now one of the strongest voices for it. Paul boldly proclaims his past sins against Jesus and his followers, but claims that his sins have been washed away in the water of baptism.  

Paul says that his new mission is to preach the gospel far and wide, not only with the Jews, but also with the Gentiles. While the Jewish crowd becomes hardened and enraged by Paul’s mission to preach to the Gentiles, they try to flog Paul, but can not because Paul is legally a Roman citizen. While this passage may not seem like it has a happy ending, there is something quite incredible about this passage.

Pauls owns his past. He is unashamed of his past, present, or future. While it does not change the feelings of the crowd, whose feelings on condemnation are more based on tradition than truth, it does affect many Christians today. We all have sinful past, some maybe more shameful than others. Yet if we can use the words of Paul as any reassurance, it's that God can call us from any place for His purpose. Maybe by boldly claiming that we have sinned, but been saved through the grace, love and mercy of Jesus Christ, we can show that God’s forgiveness is stronger than our sinful past. 

Questions: 

- What is your personal story of how Christ has worked in your life?

- What is the biggest change that God has led you to see since the start of your relationship with God?

- How comfortable are you sharing it with others? Where is the value in sharing it with others?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your light, just as You did with Paul. Give us courage to share our story and speak Your truth boldly. Teach us to trust You fully while walking wisely in the places You have put us. Strengthen us to live as faithful witnesses to Your grace. Amen.