Sincerely Wrong
Paul begins defense of his teaching telling the mob that he was sincere but wrong about those who follow Jesus.
A. Person—vv. 1–2. Paul tells the Jewish people he is a Hebrew. He speaks to them in the Hebrew language.
B. Practice—v. 3. Paul explains how he, as a Hebrew, practiced the Hebrew customs and teachings.
C. Persecution—vv. 4–5. Paul tells how he persecuted the Christians, placing them in prison. The Jewish high priest gave him permission to persecute and punish all Christians he found. He stood by as Stephen was being stoned to death—Acts 7:57–60.
A. Person—vv. 1–2. Paul tells the Jewish people he is a Hebrew. He speaks to them in the Hebrew language.
The Person: Paul lets the mob know he used to be just like them.
The Practice: Paul lets the mob know that he understands the traditions and the old faith of Judaism.
4060 Sincere Flattery?
A curmudgeon on British publishing finally decided to retire at age 70. He was given the usual dinner. Associates, joyous at the prospect of his leaving, vied in elaborate praise. When the time came to respond, the old gentleman got up and said, “I had no idea I was held in such esteem. I shall stay on.”
—Eugene Exman
C. Persecution—vv. 4–5. Paul tells how he persecuted the Christians, placing them in prison. The Jewish high priest gave him permission to persecute and punish all Christians he found. He stood by as Stephen was being stoned to death—Acts 7:57–60.