READING: Job 23-27, Acts 22:22-23:10
The Jews had previously accused Paul of bringing Gentiles into the temple (Acts 21:29), and now he had announced that God told him to take his witness to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). The response of the religious leaders was almost out of control: “Then they raised their voices, shouting, ‘Wipe this man off the face of the earth! He should not be allowed to live!’” (Acts 22:22). Not only did the Jewish leaders oppose Gentiles in general, but they also could not imagine that Jews and Gentiles alike would have equal access to God.
Their Jewish nationalism became all too apparent when Paul spoke of going to the Gentiles. Their prejudices were deep-seated and even volatile. Their reactions were over the top, as when they were “flinging aside their garments and throwing dust into the air” (Acts 22:23). It’s not clear what those gestures necessarily meant, but we can assume they were acts of disapproval toward Paul.
Likewise, our own sinful attitudes have a way of taking us in crazy directions sometimes. Were it not for God’s heart-changing grace and power, none of us would follow Him.
PRAYER: “God, I thank You again that You rescue us from ourselves.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 28-29, Acts 23:11-24:9