Today’s devotion comes from Acts 22:17-22.
“It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You. And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.’ And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” Acts 22:17-22.
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In the first part of today’s Scripture (first paragraph above, verses 17-21), it appears that Paul is continuing his defense by relaying a prior experience after his conversion, right around the time of the events described in Acts chapter 9:1-30. In this part, it appears as if Paul was discussing (almost arguing) with the Lord that logically the Jews should accept his testimony because he previously persecuted Christians.
Paul also tried this logical strategy in the beginning of his defense in Acts 22:3-5.
But, as God was not moved from changing his command by Paul’s argument in the first part of today’s Scripture as shown by God’s command in verse 21: “Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.”, neither were the Jews moved by Paul’s story in verses 17-21 as shown by their exclamation in verse 22: “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!”.
The lesson from today’s Scripture is to trust in the LORD and His Word and not lean on our own understanding nor our own reasoning.
“5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 