Paul speaks to the Roman commander
by Neil Bergmann
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The commander went to Paul and asked, ‘Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?’ ‘Yes, I am,’ he answered (Acts 22:27).
Read Acts 22:17–29
Continuing from yesterday’s reading, Paul spoke to the crowd, explaining his background and the mission he had received directly from Jesus to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. It didn’t convince the crowd – they shouted, ‘Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!’ (verse 22).
The Roman commander still couldn’t figure out what the fuss was about, so he ordered that Paul be flogged to get the truth out of him. However, once they discovered he was a Roman citizen, they treated him with more respect.
Like the Roman commander, we often want to get to the bottom of a conflict, find out what the true situation really is and figure out who is right and wrong. Thankfully, these days, we don’t start flogging people to do so. Like the Roman commander, we also tend to weigh the evidence based on the status and importance of those involved.
The success of the scientific method in understanding physical systems encourages us to believe that there is always a single, correct, underlying truth to every phenomenon and that by careful application of rational thought, we can find it. That may be true for the laws of physics, but it certainly isn’t true for human relationships.
Our goal in human conflict is not to find the truth to judge one side or the other as correct. Often, the only truth is that a conflict has led to hurt and harm on both sides. Instead, our goal in conflict is to bring peace and reconciliation so that hurts can begin to heal.
Reconciliation starts with forgiveness. We do not have the strength within ourselves to forgive those who have hurt us. When we realise how much we have been forgiven by God and will continue to be forgiven as we struggle through life, it becomes possible to extend that forgiveness to others.
Merciful and steadfast God, forgive me for all my faults and weaknesses. Please give me the strength to forgive others so that peace and reconciliation can abound in your kingdom. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland. He enjoys being part of the monthly Messy Church planning team at Our Saviour.
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