A Year in Luke/ActsSample

When Paul is ordered to be struck on the mouth after sharing how he has lived with a clear conscience before God, he uses a similar term to Jesus in Matthew 23:27. A white-washed tomb or wall was something that looked beautiful, but was a lot more than what it looked, it lacked integrity. Paul stands in the line of Jesus, Peter & John, Stephen, and others who stood before the Council and questioned their authority. This is not out of a place of proud rebellion, but of the belief that God’s authority is higher and that, because of Jesus, the Spirit is doing something new in the world. We see an example of Paul’s remaining honor for the Council and its leaders when he apologizes for how he spoke to the High Priest. The early Christians managed to get great balance in challenging authority that went against the way of Jesus but also showing respect. We can learn a lot from this in how we interact with the systems of power around us.