Scripture
Vs 21 And (the local Jewish leaders) said to (Paul), “… none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.
Vs 22 But we desire to hear from you (Paul) what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
Vs 23 … they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
Vs 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
Observation
Paul has finally made it to Rome. He wants to speak to the Jewish leaders before he speaks with Caesar.
The local Jewish leaders are eager to hear from Paul because of an interesting contrast.
Christianity is “spoken against everywhere”.
Yet, against Paul, a Christian, there is “no evil spoken”.
Not only were they eager to listen to Paul, but they wanted to continue to hear … “morning till evening”.
Paul spoke about the Kingdom of God, using the Word of God, pointing to Jesus.
The result … some believed, some did not believe.
Application
There are some things I can control and some things I can’t control. The same was true for Paul.
I can’t control whether people believe something is truth or not.
I can’t control whether people speak badly about a way of thinking or living or believing.
I do, however, have some control over how people speak about me … my reputation.
The people around Paul had heard terrible things about what Paul believed, but nothing bad about Paul, himself.
This actually created an opportunity, an open door, for Paul to speak the truth about Christianity.
The same can be true today, and in my life.
Christianity, or “this sect”, as it’s referenced is often times “spoken against everywhere”.
But how about me? … Are people willing to listen to me? … Even about what they hear bad things about? Christianity
What I do and how I do it and what I say and how I say it … is completely in my control.
This should give influence in “earning the right to be heard”.
When people encounter me, does it prevent a contrast from the negative things heard about Christianity?
And what then, should I speak about?
Paul spoke about the Kingdom of God, trying to convince them of Jesus. … I should do the same.
There is an unseen reality around every listener … the Kingdom of God.
And there is a Savior of every listener … Jesus.
But just as in Paul’s day … some will believe … and some will not.
I can only control what I can control … but I must do that well.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for your Word
Open my heart to know you more clearly
Help me to live and speak it well
In Jesus name
Amen