The Sect Spoken Against Everywhere

Today’s reading is Acts 28.

I half expect the Jews from Jerusalem to have sent a letter about Paul to the Jews of Rome. After all, even after two years of imprisonment in Caesarea, they were still trying to kill Paul. I expect them to try to get the Jews in Rome to finish the job. Perhaps they figured in Rome, Paul couldn’t cause any problems for them. Whatever the case, the Jews of Rome declare they haven’t been given any heads up about Paul, but they do know he is part of a “sect” spoken against everywhere. Today, we often live in fear that we will do something to cause the world to speak against us. But let’s face it, when we are doing everything right, Christ’s church will be spoken against everywhere. Let’s remember: our duty is to save souls, not win popularity contests. And let’s remember: just because we aren’t winning popularity contests, doesn’t mean we won’t save souls. After all, Christ’s church was spoken against everywhere in Paul’s day, but it was growing like crazy. God can do the same today.

Tomorrow’s reading is Acts 28.

A Word for Our Kids

Hey kids, does it surprise you that the Roman Jews want to hear from Paul his opinion about this “sect” spoken against everywhere? It surprises me. I know in the end most of them are going to reject the gospel. However, I’m really struck by their openness to at least listen. Paul had been one of them. They hadn’t been turned against him yet. They’d like to find out why he has chosen to cast lots with the Christians. The only way to learn is to listen. Granted, sometimes what we hear won’t be true. Always compare it to Scripture to know. But in this moment, let’s at least give these Jews a little bit of credit. They were willing to listen. I hope we always are as well.