How do you respond to people who reject Jesus one day, then suddenly become a Christian the next day? Do you receive the news with skepticism or with celebration? Do you believe in the power of Jesus to miraculously transform a life to follow Him?
In Acts 21, Paul is in Jerusalem in the temple when the Jewish leaders stir up the people to oppose Paul. The commander of the Roman cohort of soldiers is called in to quiet the ensuing riot (verse 30-36). Paul, in chapter 22, is given permission to speak to the crowd. He proceeds to give his testimony to the power of Christ Jesus to transform a life.
Paul details his past of pursuing followers of Jesus and imprisoning them. He told them about how he was stricken by a bright light on the Damascus Road as he pursued more Christians to persecute. He was fully committed to stopping people from following Jesus, yet he is amazingly transformed to a devout follower of Jesus. It is an astounding testimony of a changed life that continues to happen today.
Yet the Jewish people refuse to listen to Paul’s amazing testimony. They refuse to see the miracle standing before them. “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 22:22, NASB).’” They reject the miracle of a transformed life, just as they rejected the miracles Jesus performed; just as they rejected Jesus himself.
The Spirit of God lives today. Jesus continues to transform people today with living water, raising them to life eternal from a life of sin. The Jewish people rejected Paul’s amazing testimony that day, refusing to listen and believe in Jesus.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12, NASB
140 Character Christian 