Acts 25:2-3
And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were urging him, requesting a concession against Paul, that he might have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way).
People want their pound of flesh. They want to inflict harm on those they don't agree with and do harm to them. In this case the religious leaders of the day were envious of the "power" and "prestige" they perceived Paul had accumulated in Christ. As a result they wanted to "get even" with Paul. When people reject Christ they reject Christ's servants. Since people can't take their anger out on Christ literally they will do so with His servants. That is the point and approach to persecution. Unbelievers hate everything Christ is about. So, when Paul stands for Christ's salvation they have to persecute Christ's servants. In every society that is true, but can also be true in organizations, neighborhoods, and even families. People love to "bring charges against" others. Our only safety is that we are "in Christ." We have His love and His acceptance. Other's can try to condemn us, but God is our shield and our sword.
No comments:
Post a Comment