Paul’s Surprise—He is a Roman Citizen

Text: Acts 22:17-29

Reflection and Question: At this climactic moment in Jerusalem, when all the forces are lined up against him, the story takes a dramatic turn: Paul claims for himself all the protections of a Roman citizen, which, as the Roman commander points out, were rare and costly for most people back then. This privilege spares Paul physical harm on this day and sets him on the path toward Rome. And although there is more for Paul to say and do to witness to Christ in Jerusalem, the heart of the world in that time is now open before him. What lesson do you take from Paul’s assertion of his Roman citizenship at this moment?

Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, inspire us to know and serve You through following Paul on his journey, with all its twists and turns. Give us just the right thing to say and do at just the right time, as You do with Paul in this difficult moment. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).