Unstoppable! 'The Openness of Gentiles to Listen' — Acts 21:37-39

Friday, October 13, 2023

As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said to the commander, "May I have a word with you?"

"Do you know Greek?" the commander asked, surprised. "Aren't you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago and took 4,000 members of the Assassins out into the desert?"

"No," Paul replied, "I am a Jew and a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, which is an important city. Please, let me talk to these people."

— Acts 21:37-39 NLT

Key Thought

Clearly, the Roman commander did not know Paul's identity or reputation. He had Paul confused with a violent leader of "the Assassins" — probably a group of Jewish rebels with messianic interests, but not associated with Jesus or his disciples. While the commander's assumptions put Paul in a category those Roman soldiers should hate and exterminate, the commander's willingness to let Paul explain (Acts 21:40) directly contrasts with the Jewish mob (Acts 21:36, 22:22). The people in the mob would not let Paul explain or communicate clearly. They were intent on killing him and then sorting out his identity. Paul's Greek was apparently impeccable and not Judean accented Greek — Paul was born and raised in the non-Jewish city of Tarsus in present-day Turkey. The commander's openness to Paul's explanation is one of Luke's subtle ways to emphasize that good-hearted and God-fearing Gentiles were often open to the message of Jesus.*

* See the first set of our Related Scripture References.

Today's Prayer

Father, my heart is led by the Spirit today to remember many missionary friends and servants of the Good News as I contemplate Paul's example. During all of his difficult challenges, despite his hardships, Paul repeatedly prayed for courage and wisdom to proclaim Jesus.** Please bless your servants sharing your message all over the world today. Please bless them with inspiration, insight, and influence, so that even enemies of Jesus can have their hearts captured by your grace. In Jesus' name, and for the sake of his persecuted servants, I pray. Amen.

* See the second set of our Related Scripture References.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 28:17, 23-31, 10:1-48; Luke 7:1-9, 23:47-49
  • Ephesians 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 11:23-27; Philippians 1:18-26; Colossians 4:2-6

Comments

Archived Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, October 13, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Song of Solomon 8:6
"Whose love can this be which is as mighty as the conqueror of monarchs, the destroyer of the human race? Would it not sound like satire if it were..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 10:15
"Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Dead in Sins' (Ep. 2:1-3)
"Dear Father, King of the Ages, Thank you for the new life you have infused into my being. I once was dead because of the misdeeds and sins in which I..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 21:37-39 NLT — As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said to the commander, "May I have a word with you?" "Do you know Greek?" the commander asked, surprised. "Aren't you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago and took 4,000 members of the Assassins out into the desert?" "No," Paul replied, "I am a Jew and a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, which is an important city. Please, let me talk to these people."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!