Paul speaks to the crowd
by Neil Bergmann
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: ‘Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defence’ (Acts 21:40–22:1).
Read Acts 21:37–22:16
In yesterday’s reading, Paul was arrested and about to be taken into the Roman barracks. As we continue the story today, we read that Paul asked permission to address the crowd.
The crowd grew quiet as Paul talked to them in their own language, Aramaic. He repeated the story of his conversion to a follower of Jesus. Previously, Paul had persecuted Christians. Then, one day, on the road to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him and told him that he would be a witness to the Gentiles about Jesus’ gospel.
What lessons might we learn from this story about dealing with conflict and misunderstanding?
Firstly, Paul acknowledged what he had in common with those who had just attacked him. He spoke their language to emphasise that he was one of them. He explained that he shared their zeal for God, even to the extent of persecuting those he believed were spreading false doctrine. Then, he described his conversion and why he had changed his opinion about Jesus.
Similarly, when faced with conflict, we should not assume that because others have a different opinion from ours, they must be wrong. Instead, we should seek to build understanding. We should look for common ground. Most of all, we should actively listen to the opinions of others to understand why their belief differs from ours. The area of immediate conflict is often a symptom of a deeper difference in our fundamental beliefs. Such active listening may not resolve the dispute, but it may lead to mutual respect and understanding. With God’s help, we can understand that reconciliation does not always require agreement.
God of reconciliation, we admit we do not deal well with conflict. We find it hard to love our enemies. Fill us with your love and peace so that we can minister to a hurting and divided world. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland. He enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with friends and family.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
