Acts 22:22-23:11 | "Power in Courage"

Reading of Scripture

Acts 23:10–11 ESV

10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

Pray

Proposition

Our Lord empowers us with courage by His Holy Spirit to persevere in God’s ways until God’s will is accomplished.

Introduction to Theme

This word “take courage” (Acts 23:11) is used seven times in the New Testament. Six times, it is spoken by Jesus. One time it is spoken on behalf of Jesus. It is a word of the Lord!

It is always in the Bible a word of command. A word of instruction.

It is a word spoken to a diverse people — all in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Jesus spoke it to a paralytic man: “Have courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mt 9:2).

Jesus spoke it to a woman who had suffered for 12 years from an illness saying “Have courage, daughter! Your faith has healed you.” (Mt 9:22).

Jesus spoke it to his disciples, when he walked to them on the water as they were beaten by the waves and wind in a boat saying, “Have courage, I am he! Do not be afraid” (Mt 14:27; Mark 6:50).

Jesus called out to Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who was begging Jesus for mercy. Jesus called him, and his disciples said to Bartimaeus: “Have courage! Get up! He is calling you.” (Mk 10:49).

Jesus spoke it to his disciples, saying: “In the world you will have affliction, but have courage! I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16:33).

Six times the Scriptures record this command from Jesus. And six times is enough!

For if the Lord spoke these words both to those in fear and those with faith, surely the Spirit will remind us of these words when we are in need of such encouragement as well.

The word “have courage” is a command to “have confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or testing” (LN).

But Jesus speaks this command once more.

He speaks this command to “have courage” not as a distant historical figure, disconnected and detached from the events unfolding.

He speaks this command to “have courage” not from his heavenly throne shouting down as a spectator as if to say — “been there, done that…best of luck to you.”

Jesus is not standing far off — but but he is standing by — standing near.

Jesus speaks this command in the night — not on the first night, not on the second night — but on the third night.

Introduction to Text

Jesus speaks this command not on the first night — after Paul had been dragged out of the temple in Jerusalem by the Jews who then tried to kill him.

These were the Jews from Asia, who saw Paul in the temple and did what they were so effective at in Asia and caused a commotion.

Acts 21:28–29 ESV

28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.

As a result of this, the Scripture says “all the city was stirred up.” There was a riot.

The Jews dragged Paul out of the temple and began to beat him with the intention of killing him.

Word reached the Roman military tribune of what was happening and he immediately took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them (Acts 21:32).

The Roman tribune does not know who Paul is or what is happening.

But he will not tolerate chaos and uproar and rioting in the peace that is Rome. It doesn’t matter at this point who is in the right, or who is in the wrong. Chaos is wrong, and peace must be restored.

The soldiers arrest Paul, and at the order of the tribune Paul was bound with two chains (Acts 21:33).

The prophetic warnings of the Holy Spirit, of the prophet Agabus, and of the disciples that Paul would experience bonds and afflictions in Jerusalem, now become a reality.

For after only a few short days in Jerusalem, Paul is suffering persecutions and is bound with two chains.

The violence of the crowd against Paul becomes so intense that the soldiers had to carry Paul to the barracks while the crowd shouted “away with him.” (Acts 21:36).

Before Paul is carried into the barracks he asks the tribune, speaking to him in the Greek language, if he may have permission to speak to the people (Acts 21:37-39).

The tribune is surprised that Paul can speak Greek.

For he assumes Paul is an Egyptian who stirred up a revolt and led four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness” (Acts 21:38).

In these recorded events, Paul’s identity is continually questioned, and it shows how diverse he is!

As he wrote to the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 9:20–23 ESV

20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Acts 21:39 ESV

39 Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.”

In the chaos, the tribune must not have connected the dots. But Paul here clearly tells the tribune that he is a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia. He is a citizen of Rome.

Paul identifies as a Jew first, but also appeals to his Roman citizenship to gain an audience to speak to the people.

Paul uses whatever gifts God has graced him with to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.

How has God uniquely shaped us?

What has God graciously given to us?

How can we advance the gospel of Jesus Christ in unique ways because of the way we were made, or raised, or because of the experiences God has given to us?

Paul uses anything God has given him to advance the gospel.

So he receives permission to speak to the people.

He stands on the steps, motions with his hand to the people, and there falls a great silence upon the crowd.

His audience is his Hebrew brothers, so he speaks to them not as a citizen of Tarsus, not in the Greek that he could speak, but in the Hebrew language — the language of his religious training and faith.

This causes the crowd to become more silent and to listen.

Paul says again:

Acts 22:3–4 ESV

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,

He then tells them about how Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. How he lost his ability to see in the light of Jesus’ glory. He tells how he later regained his sight, to know Jesus Christ, as the “Righteous One” (Acts 22:14), to be baptized, washing away his sins, calling on Jesus’ name.

Paul then tells in his testimony how he returned to Jerusalem — this was after his conversion.

We know when he returned he attempted to join the disciples but the disciples were all afraid of him and did not believe he was a disciple too. (Acts 9:26).

Paul tells how he was praying in the temple, and fell into a trance, and saw Jesus saying to him: “Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.” (Acts 22:18).

Jesus warned Paul from the beginning about how he would be received in Jerusalem. . .

But as a new convert Paul argues with the Lord. Paul has ambition. Paul thinks his plan will work!

Acts 22:19–20 ESV

19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’

In other words — Paul believes he can reach the Jews because he used to persecute believers with them! Who else is so uniquely positioned to lead them to the light of Christ?

Paul did not yet have the maturity that he would later have, when he would write:

Romans 12:3 (ESV)

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…

Jesus responds with these words:

Acts 22:21 ESV

21 And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

It is when Paul speaks these words to the crowd, that the silence is no more. The crowd erupts.

I. Acts 22:22-29

Acts 22:22–25 ESV

22 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 tribune 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?”

The Jews from Asia started this commotion by, in part, suggesting Paul had defiled the holy temple by bringing a Greek Gentile into it.

Now it is this message that Jesus is sending Paul to the Gentiles that fires up the crowd again.

These Jews are upset at the idea of “outsiders,” of other nations receiving the benefits that were promised to Israel — to God’s chosen people.

Fundamentally, God’s promises to Israel were meant to be a blessing to all peoples! Even the Gentiles!

But Paul’s words sting as the words of judgment they are meant to be.

We as the church of Jesus Christ are reminded with these words, that the gospel of the grace of God is a message for ALL people.

We are reminded that as we gather here this morning there are people all over the world, including in this city, who do not know the name of Jesus, the cross or the resurrection.

If we as a church fail to embrace the scope of God’s love and salvation for ALL — if we are not moved with compassion and resolve to be witnesses for Jesus and to make disciples of ALL people — then God will use others to make His gospel known.

If we as a church become complacent, and gather to worship and pray but yet fail to obey Jesus’ command to make disciples as we go, baptize, and teach then we are guilty of hypocrisy and will experience this same judgment of God.

The Roman tribune plans to uncover the reason for this chaos and orders Paul to be examined by flogging.

Paul has been beaten before many times, but this examination by Roman flogging would be much more severe.

If he survived at all, he would certainly be maimed (see may commentators, F.F. Bruce).

While Paul is prepared to suffer for Christ, he will not suffer needlessly (NIVAC).

And when they had stretched Paul out, Paul appeals again to his Roman citizenship which carried with it due process:

Acts 22:25 (b) “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”

Acts 22:26–29 ESV

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.

Craig Keener explains that Roman citizenship could be achieved several ways:

1.) A person could be born to a Roman father.

2.) A person could be a citizen of a Roman colony

3.) A person could be a retired auxiliary soldier

4.) part of a municipal aristocracy or other group honored by Rome

5.) or a slave freed by his or her owner.

(IVP Background Commentary).

This military tribune was either a former slave who acquired enough money to buy his freedom, or he bought his citizenship by a bribe (which was common under the previous emperor).

But Paul’s citizenship was not bought. He was born a Roman citizen.

And under the laws of Rome, a Roman citizen could not be examined in this manner by flogging, or even bound without proper legal process or trial.

So Paul is spared the examination by appealing to his citizenship, his right of association with Rome.

Paul used his citizenship.

He did not lead with it, but he did not hide it either.

We may wonder what place our nationality and citizenship has in our life and faith as Christians.

Should Christians be political? Should Christians use our earthly citizenship?

If we look at what Paul did — Paul used his citizenship.

Paul used what God had given to him at such a time as this. And it gave him more opportunities to proclaim the gospel of Jesus to more people.

We as Christians should use our citizenship likewise, for the purpose of Gospel advancement. To vote, to elect godly leaders, to use our freedoms and resources to teach the commands of Christ, and to travel the world for the name of Jesus.

After these things, Paul spends his first night confined to the barracks.

II. Acts 22:30 - 23:10

Acts 22:30 ESV

30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

The scene of Paul’s defense now moves from a Jewish mob and a band of Roman soldiers to the jewish Sanhedrin — the highest Jewish council, with jurisdiction over civil and religious matters in Jerusalem (LN).

The Sanhedrin was made up of two factions, the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

The Sadducees do not believe in a resurrection, or angels, or spirits. Pharisees acknowledge all of these.

Paul begins by looking intently at them. He wants them to hear him, and hear his message. He wants to win them for Jesus.

Acts 23:1 ESV

1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”

This is another revealing statement of testimony from Paul.

How does Paul live his life?

He lives his live before God.

He lives his live before God in “all good conscience” — using what God has given him to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong, and by God’s grace living according to what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

Paul will later write:

Romans 14:7–8 ESV

7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

If we view ourselves as the masters of our own lives, we do not belong to Jesus!

For when we call Jesus “Lord” we recognize that our lives and everything we have belong to Him and are in His sovereign control.

At this remark the high priest Ananias commands that Paul should be struck on the mouth.

Paul, not knowing that this was the high priest says:

Acts 23:3 ESV

3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

Paul has not been found guilty. It was contrary to the law to beat the righteous.

Paul calls the man who had him struck a “whitewashed wall.”

It was a way of calling someone a hypocrite.

But when Paul learns this man was the high priest, Paul says: “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written: “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.” (Acts 23:5).

So Paul, who has spoken Greek and Hebrew, identified as Jew and a Roman, now makes one distinction in front of this Jewish council.

Acts 23:6–10 ESV

6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

Then Paul spends his second night in the barracks.

Conclusion: Acts 23:11

Paul has spoken the truth about Jesus in Jerusalem, and he has been rejected each time.

He has been beaten, almost whipped severely, and almost killed.

If not for the Roman intervention, Paul would have been “torn to pieces.”

Perhaps Paul recalls Jesus’ words that the Jews in Jerusalem would not accept Paul’s testimony about Jesus.

Perhaps Paul recalls the warnings of the Holy Spirit, the prophecy of Agabus and the warnings of the disciples.

Did Paul make the wrong decision?

Has he not concluded that it was God leading him to Jerusalem? Certainly, God did not stop him!

What is to become of him now?

Did not Jesus say of his followers while they were in Jerusalem:

Acts 1:8 ESV

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Did not Jesus say to Ananias about Paul:

Acts 9:15 ESV

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

Did not Paul say he was ready to be imprisoned and even die for the name of Jesus in Jerusalem (Acts 21:13).

But so soon? With so little result? With only rejection?

With no mention of multitudes believing? No mention the Lord adding to the church daily? No mention of the word of the Lord multiplying?

This is the picture of a man who needs encouragement.

One night passes. Another day passes.

And then:

Acts 23:11 ESV

11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”

For the seventh recorded time in Scripture, Jesus speaks this command of courage.

Not by an angel. The text doesn’t say “the Holy Spirit said.”

But “the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage.’”

God’s grace is sufficient in Paul’s time of need.

God graciously supplies encouragement for Paul. Encouragement that would undoubtedly remind Paul in fear or in faith — of Jesus’ promises to him. Of Jesus’ presence with him. Of Jesus purposes for him — Past, present, and future.

And what Jesus began in Paul, Jesus will complete.

Why is all of this narrative included in Acts?

Because The journey to Jerusalem was part of what would take Paul to Rome.

And as a citizen of Rome, because of God’s provision using his citizenship, Paul will be able to proclaim before kings and rulers that there is a better citizenship to be had.

Not a citizenship that we can buy. Not a citizenship that we can be born into.

But a citizenship that God has bought — by the blood of Jesus as an atoning sacrifice on the cross.

A citizenship that in Jesus, we are born again into —

A citizenship in heaven, the kingdom of God, with the Lord as King.

So take courage. In whatever circumstance you face.

God is with you. He will never abandon you.

He is not far from you. He is near to you.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

58 … be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Proposition

Our Lord empowers us with courage by His Holy Spirit to persevere in God’s ways until God’s will is accomplished.