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WELCOME TO FELLOWSHIP PRAYER REQUESTS PRAYER TEAM Medical Team (April 18-25, 2020) Unhindered The Gospel to the Ends of the Earth Resources

"CITIZENSHIP" (:40-22:29) "ROMAN CITIZENSHIP" (Mark Reasoner) "A WITNESS WORTH HEARING" (Acts 21:40-22:29) (:1-4) (Chuck Swindoll) (Lynn Cohick) Roman citizenship was a matter of considerable advantage for travel in the Mediterranean world

Roman citizens possessed several specific rights and privileges. Among them was of the first century. Paul's Roman citizenship greatly enhanced his ministry. His acquaintance with the Paul believed evangelism to be his sole purpose for living, so he viewed every circumstance as issues of citizenship allowed him to use it as a fitting metaphor for participation in the kingdom of that of conubium, the right to enter a licit Roman marriage, which gave their offspring the an opportunity to be a witness or to create more opportunities for witnessing. When a mob tried to kill God. rank of Roman citizens and claim to their father's estate. Roman citizens had the right both him and a contingent of Roman soldiers carried him to safety, he saw another opportunity to testify. His example highlights three principles worth remembering. to own and sell property outright, the jus commercii, and to access the Roman courts. Roman Citizenship. While both women and men enjoyed these privileges, the latter benefited from the The biblical case for Paul's legal standing as a Roman citizen rests primarily on three texts in Acts. First, a factually based personal testimony is unanswerable; internal experience alone is questionable. The most compelling case for is a personal testimony. It follows a simple additional rights of voting, joining the Roman legion, and holding public office. Paul's mention of the Roman citizenship he and enjoyed provides the context for their release from jail in (:37-39). Then at the end of his speech before the people in , outline: These basic rights of citizenship did not change over time; what changed was the Paul's citizenship is once again helpful in allowing for his protection by the Roman garrison from the 1. Before Christ criteria for inclusion on the citizen registry. Initially, the city of granted all privileges angry crowd (:25-29). At his hearing in Caesarea before Festus over two years later, after Festus 2. Encounter with Christ of citizenship to male Patricians, wealthy, free-born landowners. Free-born men who offered to conduct a full trial back in Jerusalem, Paul used his right as a Roman citizen to reject the 3. After Christ belonged to the lower class of the Plebeians, and women in both categories, also enjoyed offer and to appeal for trial before Caesar (:7-12). Agrippa II mentions this appeal to Festus No one can argue with your personal experience. Subjective experience alone, however, doesn't the rights of conubium and commercium. after Paul testifies before them (:32). convince others to believe. Paul laced his personal testimony with verifiable facts. He highlighted the For most of the history of the Roman Republic, only Roman citizens could serve in the Paul's Roman Citizenship. Arguments advanced against Paul's Roman citizenship, most recently parts of his life that many had observed before his salvation, during his experience with Christ on the legions. As Rome's influence stretched across and Latin tribes were given the by Stegemann, have been soundly answered by Hengel. Roman historians also accept Paul's road to , and then after. And he referred to objective witnesses the audience could respect and trust. franchise (often as a group), the need for more troops grew. As a result, first Italians and citizenship as most probable. According to traditions preserved in Jerome (Philemon commentary; Vir. then free men from free cities within the provinces were admitted to the legions, after first 5) and Phodus (Quaest. Amphil. 116), Paul's parents were carried off as prisoners of war from the So if you're going to prepare a testimony, think through the wording. In fact, write it down and Judean town of Gischala to Tarsus. Presumably enslaved to a Roman, they were freed and granted limit it to two pages. Include only relevant details that others have observed and could affirm. Read it being given Roman citizenship. Julius Caesar began an aggressive program of offering citizenship. The rights of a Roman citizenship included provocatio (the right to appeal after trial), through a few times, not to memorize it, but to become comfortable with what you would like to say. Roman citizenship status to certain regions within the growing boundaries of Rome's muneris publici vacatio (exemption from imperial duties such as military service), and the right of an Then let the opportunities and the Holy Spirit be your guide as you testify from the heart. influence. Augustus and subsequent emperors continued this trend in varying degrees. accused citizen to choose either a local or a Roman trial. A right that was usually (but not always) Second, humility is one thing; indignity is something entirely different. When the soldiers Those in the auxiliary forces were granted citizenship after completing their obligation of honored in the provinces was that Roman citizens were exempt from flogging. The best explanation stretched out Paul for an unjust whipping, he looked into the face of the officer and declared his twenty-five years of service. Under the for Paul's silence about his Roman citizenship in Philippi until after his scourging (Acts 16:22-23) is that citizenship in order to avoid unnecessary suffering. In Philippi, Paul had taken his undeserved beating emperor CIaudius, the grant was he wanted to followScholarly in suffering (Phil 3:10-11; Col 1:24; 2 Cor 4:7- 10; 6:4-10). It is likely that because it servedPractical his purpose. He had used the illegal punishment as leverage to secure greater safety extendedBackground to the soldier's wife, there were other occasions also in which Paul kept silent and so surrendered this Roman right (2 Cor for the church in Philippi. In Jerusalem, however, his suffering would serve no constructive purpose, so he put children, and descendants 11:25). When Paul did claim Roman citizenship (Acts 16:3,7; 22:25-28), an end to it. retroactively. it is most likely that he produced as evidence a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, which Roman citizens carried with them. A strange trend in Christian teaching has twisted the A slave, male or female, owned by Paul's Appeal to Caesar. Against Lyall and Sherwin-White, the doctrine of submission into something grotesque and a Roman citizen was usually granted tragically unlike anything Jesus taught. It's the idea that evidence favors Garnsey's reconstruction of Paul's appeal not as a citizenship upon his or her should submit to any kind of abuse that happens provocatio appeal, but as a rejection of one court in favor of another to come their way. Consequently wives endure battering manumission. Once freed, these new (reiectio). This was a right Paul had as a Roman citizen, subject to while churches shout, "Submit!" Children suffer bizarre citizens could form licit marriages and Festus's approval. Garnsey notes that Acts 25 is the only example ever forms of neglect and mistreatment in the name of their children were recognized as cited for evidence of provocatio before trial. Elsewhere such an appeal submission and discipline. Christians everywhere seem to citizens. If either the mother or the always occurs after trial. A close reading of Acts 25:9-12 shows that believe that accepting abuse and humiliation is part and father was a Roman citizen, but the what is at issue is the location for Paul's trial. Paul did not want to be parcel of the Christian life and, therefore, that they should other was not, then the marriage was tried in Jerusalem as Festus suggested; for it was there that he was first take their beatings when they could otherwise avoid injustice. But that's not biblical teaching. not considered licit under Roman civil imprisoned because of Jewish antipathy (Acts 22:22-29) and because it was clear that Festus wanted to please the Jews (Acts 25:9). It is also clear that Paul's rejection of trial in Jerusalem for trial in Rome was not The remaining chapters of Acts are devoted to Paul's defense. And in this first of six defense speeches, Paul presents himself as a faithful Jew obedient to God. The charge that he has betrayed “our people and our law and this place” (21:28) is groundless.

David Garland Questions for WITNESSES Can traditionalism distort the genuine tradition? How can I take advantage of opportunities to share the gospel? Is my life a benefit or hindrance whenActs I share the22 gospel? Should I always turn the other cheek? This is, of course, the second time that Luke has given his readers an account of Paul's conversion. Previously he gave it in his own words, at this time (and the third time before King Agrippa) he gave it in Paul’s words. In each case the outline is the same, but the particular emphasis of each testimony is well fitted to its context. John Stott Paul’s Conversion :1-16 Acts 22:1-21 Acts 25:1-29 Luke’s Narrative Paul’s Testimony Paul’s Testimony Third Person First Person First Person Baptism Baptism No Baptism Jewish Audience Gentile Audience Simple Intense Reasoned Antonian Fortress Antonian CONNECTION

Use your current life situation as an opportunity to share Christ with others. Pray for Opportunity! Acts 21:37-22:2 CONNECTION As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in , a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” Acts 21:37-22:2 (ESV) wrote of an Egyptian who claimed to be a prophet. He had gathered 30,000 followers (Luke with accuracy states 4,000; Josephus had a tendency to inflate numbers) and in A.D. 54 came to the Mount of Olives promising adherents that the walls of Jerusalem would collapse at his command. Instead, the Roman army promptly marched on them, killed some and captured others, while the remainder were scattered. The Egyptian escaped. Stanley D. Toussaint CONNECTION And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language [ dialect], saying: “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. Acts 21:37-22:2(ESV) case, defense, apology (ἀπολογία) This is the word from which we get our English word “apologetics.” The word does not have any connotations of being sorry for something or apologizing. The idea is that a case or defense is being offered for what one does or believes. These kind of speeches will dominate the closing chapters of the book. Paul’s defense was in three parts:

(a) his conduct before his conversion (22:1-5),

(b) his conversion (22:6-16), and

(c) his commission to minister (22:17-21). Stanley D. Toussaint First, a factually based personal testimony is unanswerable; internal experience alone is questionable. The most compelling case for Christianity is a personal testimony. It follows a simple outline: 1. Before ChristWarning! 2. Encounter with Christ 3. After Christ Chuck Swindoll CONVERSION

Keep your personal encounter with Christ central to your testimony. Stay on Topic! Acts 22:3-9 CONVERSION “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.” Acts 22:3-9 (ESV) Paul's hometown was known as a cultural center of Hellenism, rhetoric, and stoic philosophy. With in Smyrna it was one of the three great cities on the southern coast of minor. Thus, Paul is portrayed as a cultured man. Darrell Bock brought up, trained, reared (ἀνατρέφω) The core idea is bringing someone to mental and spiritual maturity. This does not mean that Paul “grew up” in Jerusalem. It implies that his religious training as an adult took place here. The sense is that Paul's higher education as a rabbi was in Jerusalem. Gamaliel the Elder was a disciple and possible heir of Rabbi Hillel, one of the two great rabbis of Jewish History along with Rabbi Shammai. He is quoted a number of times in the Mishnah, the Jewish commentary on the Torah. He appears in as a level-headed spiritual leader who allows the apostles to continue their ministry, noting that if it is from God it cannot be stopped and if from men then it will fall apart all by itself. CONVERSION “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of , whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me.” Acts 22:3-9 (ESV) CALLING

Share the gospel with the people in your circle of influence.

Stay Personal! Acts 22:10-21 CALLING “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” Acts 22:10-21 (ESV) A key point in Paul's defense is that his calling came directly from God.

Darrell Bock CALLING “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and 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 know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 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.’ And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22:10-21 (ESV) Looking back over Paul’s defense, we may perhaps say that he made two major points. The first was that he himself was a loyal Jew, not only by birth and education but still. … He had not broken away from his ancestral faith, . . . he stood in direct continuity with it. Jesus of Nazareth was “the Righteous One” in whom prophecy had been fulfilled. John Stott And Paul's second point was that those features of his faith which had changed, especially his acknowledgment of Jesus and his Gentile mission, were not his own eccentric ideas. They have been directly revealed to him from heaven, the one truth in Damascus and the other in Jerusalem. Indeed, nothing but such a heavenly intervention could have so completely transformed him. John Stott Paul's defense is that he was where the crowd is now, a persecutor and a faithful Jew; only God's direction has made him otherwise. If there is a complaint to be made about Gentiles being included in God's promise and message, Paul is not to blame. God is responsible for these events. Darrell Bock Christianity is the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and is the true form of Judaism.

David Garland CITIZENSHIP

Use every tool at your disposal to advance the cause of the gospel

Be Strategic! Acts 22:22-29 CITIZENSHIP 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.” And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, 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. Acts 22:22-29 (ESV) They didn't object to his evangelizing the Gentiles; Jews had attracted proselytes for centuries. Even the Pharisees traveled around the empire preaching to Gentiles (Matt. 23:15). Paul's method, however, offended them on two counts. First, he refused to bring Gentiles into the kingdom of God through the door of Judaism, implying that Gentiles and Jews stood on an equal plane before God. Second, his notice that he had turned to the Gentiles sent the message that God had set aside the Jews. Chuck Swindoll The crowd was too unruly for anything constructive to take place. The Commander had him taken into the barracks in order to give him third-degree treatment—going through torture with hope of getting at the bottom of the wrong that Paul had committed about which the Jews were so angry (22:24) Ajith Fernando CITIZENSHIP

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?”

Acts 22:22-29 (ESV) To bind a Roman citizen is a crime, to flog him is an abomination, to slay him is almost an act of murder. Cicero Could not anyone avoid flogging by simply claiming to be a Roman citizen? Perhaps; but if a person falsely claimed to be a citizen, he was liable to the death penalty. Stanley D. Toussaint CITIZENSHIP 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.” So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” The tribune answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” Paul said, “But I am a citizen by birth.” So those who were about to examine him withdrew from him immediatelyimmediately,, and the tribune also was afraidafraid,, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. Acts 22:22-29 (ESV) withdrew, fell back, departed (ἀφίστημι) The word literally means they “stood away” from him. The picture here is that they backed up with their hands in the air. afraid, fearful, terrified (φοβέομαι) The word has some intensity to it. Often when a person experiences this there some sort of physical reaction, either falling back, falling down, or simply being stunned. In sum, this passage shows us how focused Paul is on representing the gospel even while he also defends himself.

Darrell Bock LESSONS FOR WITNESSES

Use your life and personal experience with Christ to share the life-giving message of the gospel. Questions for WITNESSES Traditionalism distorts the genuine tradition. Practice turning your life events in to GOs. Align your life with gospel transformation. Keep Christ central in your life and testimony.