We are back from a wonderful vacation in Florida where we were able to spend time with my mother and father and visit Walt Disney. Yesterday we celebrated the life of Diana Sue Snodgrass. Late this afternoon we are heading to Laurie's parents to handle some business there and will return Friday afternoon. ~ Jim
Scripture for Sunday
Acts 22:22-29 (ESV)
Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live." [23] And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, [24] the tri-bune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out why they were shouting against him like this. [25] But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?" [26] When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and said to him, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen." [27] So the tribune came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" And he said, "Yes." [28] The tribune answered, "I bought this citizenship for a large sum." Paul said, "But I am a citizen by birth." [29] So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediately, and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.
Questions for Reflection
1. What rights does your citizenship give you that people of other countries don’t have?
2. Why did the commander tell Paul that his citizenship had been bought? (22:28)
3. How did Paul cap the commander’s comment? (22:28)
4. Why did the commander become alarmed? (22:29)
5. Why was Paul’s Roman citizenship an asset?
6. How did Paul show good judgment in the middle of an extremely stressful situation?
7. What about you gives you unique opportunities to talk with others about Christ?
8. In what ways can we show respect to others even when they treat us disrespectfully?
