Acts 22:22-23:22There is no one so dangerous as someone who has nothing to lose. By this time, that is true of Paul. In the last part of his ministry, Paul had two targets in mind, where he hoped he would leverage a great work for the kingdom of God: Jerusalem and Rome. When you read the book of Romans (chapters 9-11), you can see how grieved he was that the gospel did not take hold among the Jews. Thus he wanted a platform to share Christ, even if it would mean possible death. Eventually, he would appeal to the governor and then Caesar himself. There is no evidence that Paul had an audience with Caesar. If he could lead Caesar to Christ, possibly the whole world would catch the good news of Christ. That appeal to Caesar would cost him his life.
Notice the brilliance of Paul – a blend of the spiritual gift of wisdom (making the right moves and saying the right things at the right time) and Gamaliel-trained shrewdness. The scene in 22:22-29 must have brought memories, as Jewish radicals gathered to execute a Christian leader. He is now on the receiving end. Only an appeal to his Roman citizenship saves his life.
Notice the brashness of Paul, talking trash with his accusers! He did have a temper, didn’t he? Then he plays them off against each other over a discussion of the resurrection, which Pharisees believed in but Sadducees did not. Paul ends up having to be transferred to spare his life.
So much for spiritual giftedness leading to great success and personal fulfillment! But for Paul this is all part of God’s plan to win more people for the cause of Christ. He is obsessed with that goal and totally selfless about it. One of the signs of spirit-filled people is holy boldness, not for themselves but for Christ. How is your boldness?
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