By the book
by Kathy Matuschka
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Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight (Acts 23:23).
Read Acts 23:23–35
We already know that Paul is a Roman citizen and that his citizenship has kept him safe from being ambushed and killed by the Jewish leaders. Today, we see the might of the Roman military machine working to Paul’s advantage.
Paul travels to Caesarea on horseback, accompanied for more than half the journey by 470 personnel. The 70 soldiers on horseback continue with Paul for the final leg into Caesarea to Governor Felix. Does that sound impressive to you? Just picture it. If I were living in the region at the time, you wouldn’t have seen me on the streets: I would have moved as far away from that entourage as possible!
The commander (whom we now know is named Claudius Lysias) sends a letter to Felix, the governor of Judea. Claudius concisely explains the facts of the story and the reasons for the decisions he has made in accordance with the authority of his role. Felix then uses his authority to determine that he will wait for the Jewish leaders to arrive and then hear the case in Caesarea. They appear to be acting ‘by the book’ – following military and government regulations and standards.
We tend to have ideas about who the good and bad guys are in the stories we tell and retell. To be sure, the Bible tells us stories of people working for the Roman Empire who were corrupt and abused the power and authority associated with their roles.
So, let’s not rush past this story without appreciating that, on this occasion, some ‘bad guys’ acted as the ‘good guys’ by keeping Paul safe from harm. Then and now, people don’t enter the military or similar community service professions expecting to stay safe and comfortable. We thank God for leadership and an ordered society that allows its citizens to be safe and flourish.
Dear Lord God, thank you for good order and stable government in our countries and churches. It’s easy to notice the things that could be better; however, we thank you for what we have today and pray that our orderly systems will flourish for the good of many, especially the most vulnerable among us. Amen.
Kathy Matuschka and her husband, Mark, live in Brisbane and worship at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale. Kathy continues to discern her ministry calling through her employment as a hospital chaplain and voluntary LCANZ activities. This year, she has contributed to the Way Forward Pastoral Care Working Group as a member.
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