August 30, 2021 - Acts 22:22-29

Being a United States citizen is a wonderful privilege. Most Americans have not, or do not realize its worth. It usually is not until you travel overseas that you begin to acknowledge the worth of our citizenship. We are a people that often are looked upon as wealthy, elite and powerful. We are at times treated differently because we have a little booklet with an eagle on the front that is called our passport, stating we are citizens of this great nation.

Paul also was a citizen of Rome, a powerful nation of that time. That entitlement allowed him to exercise rights and have privileges extended to him which a non-citizen could not enjoy. Paul had spoken to the Jewish crowd in their own language and they had listened closely until he spoke of his Gentile connections. This led to a return of shouts and threats of murder as the general crowd joined their voices in drowning Paul’s words. The Roman Commander ordered scourging which was the normal practice of questioning for a common prisoner.

As the orders were given, Paul began to exercise his rights as a Roman citizen by asking a simple question of legal procedure, “Is it lawful?” Paul’s knowledge of Roman law assured him of a just investigation and recognized his scourging would not occur as his citizenship was revealed. The process of questioning was immediately stopped and restraint was exercised.

The benefit of citizenship resulted in different treatments for prisoners. No Roman citizen could be chained or beaten without an accusation and charge formally placed against them. A Roman was assured that the courts would fairly administer justice in a civilized manner. Paul being a citizen, expected that treatment.

As believers, we are citizens of Heaven and are regarded differently by God than the world. We become joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) and acquire a position as a son or daughter of God. This offers believers distinguished rights and privileges. We have moved from the penalty of judgment and wrath to a promise of life eternal in heaven with Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20)! May we come to understand and live in the security that comes with being a citizen of God through the salvation that we receive by trusting Jesus Christ!

With an Expectant Hope,

Pastor Miller