Sent to Gentiles

As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, Paul said to the commander, "Am I allowed to say something to you?"

He replied, "Do you know Greek? Aren't you the Egyptian who raised a rebellion some time ago and led 4000 assassins into the wilderness?"

Paul said, "I am a Jewish man from Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of an important city. Now I ask you, let me speak to the people."

After he had given permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great hush, he addressed the people in the Hebrew language." Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defence before you." Acts 21:37-22:1

Paul was going to give his address if at all possible. It is funny that the commander thought him other than who he was. Perhaps he heard a rumour or perhaps he was misinformed.

Paul stands to give his address and the Jews listen right through his testimony about how he had persecuted the away and how he met Jesus but when he comes to verse 21: "Then he said to me, "Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles." All hell breaks loose and they shout: "Wipe this man off the earth- it is a disgrace for him to live."

Paul's commission to the Gentiles struck at the heart of Jewish nationalism. How could a zealot for the law be such a turncoat? How could he let the team down and go to the Gentiles?

I understand. I was a zealous Catholic and turned away to the Gentiles, so to speak. I grew up believing only Catholics go to heaven, erroneous I know, but there you have it. But in my heart of hearts I knew I was far from Jesus and it was Him I longed for. I had to leave to find Him.

There are other zealous religions in our world today, Muslims are front and centre at present. Yet, even in the ranks of the Muslim Faith there are those who are turning to Christ and rejoicing at having found their saviour. You see, He is soo good! Amen!