Scripture Reading : Acts 23:1-11
Theme : Be Perfect in the Imperfect World
- Paul is submissive to God’s sovereignty. When the high priest Ananias ordered Paul to be struck on the mouth, Paul pronounced judgment on him for not obeying the law. Paul did not recognize the high priest because he had gone away from Jerusalem for many years, and this was not an official gathering of the council (it was called by the Roman tribune) so Ananias did not wear his official garments. When Paul found out that it he was the high priest, he submitted to the human authority that is established by God, even though he was unfairly treated.
- Paul is wise in using the environment. From the unfair treatment he received from the high priest, Paul perceived that he would not be given a fair trial, so he wisely defended himself using the doctrinal argument he knew existed between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who did not believe there would be a resurrection. Note that Paul did not lie about what he believed just so to create dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees – he truly believed in the resurrection. So sharp was their theological dispute with the Sadducees that some Pharisees actually defended Paul.
- Paul is reassured by the Lord. After going through so many trials and affliction, it is not surprising that Paul was fearful and discouraged (he wrote to in 1 Corinthians 2:3 that “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.”) God is very gracious to Paul and reassured him that God will bring him to Rome safely. Note that God only promised that He will bring Paul to Rome, but He did not promise that the journey would be smooth.
Praying the Scripture
- Romans 13:1 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Paul submitted to the high priest even though he was unfairly treated. Pray that we will obey God’s Word and submit to the governing authorities, for in so doing we are submitting to God’s sovereignty.
- Jesus said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) Submitting to the authorities does not mean we suffer in silence in all circumstances. God gave us wisdom to use the proper channels to protect ourselves. But when we do so, we must ensure that we do not break God’s commandments (e.g. we cannot lie). Pray that we will “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
- Even the great Apostle Paul was fearful and trembling (1 Cor. 2:3). God is gracious to us and He promised to be with us (Matt. 28:19-20) and He works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). Pray that we will trust in God’s eternal promises, and persevere in serving Him.
经文：使徒行传23:1-11
主题：在不完美的世界中做完全人
- 保罗顺服神的主权。当大祭司吩咐人打保罗的嘴时，保罗为着他不遵守律法而下论断。保罗并不晓得他就是大祭司，因为他已离开耶路撒冷多年，而这也不是公会的正式聚会（这是罗马保民官所召的），所以亚拿尼亚没穿上他正式的衣裳。当保罗发现他是大祭司后，即便受到不公的对待，他还是顺服了神所制定的社会阶层权势。
- 保罗巧妙利用环境。保罗既然受到大祭司不公的对待，便晓得他难以获取公正的审讯。因此，他灵机一动，使用法利赛人与撒都该人之间存有的教义矛盾保护自己（撒都该人不信有复活之事）。我们可以留意到，保罗并没有因为要刻意制造纠纷而否定他所信的——他确实相信有复活之事。法利赛人与撒都该人的教义纠纷如此火爆，以致法利赛人竟然为此维护了保罗。
- 保罗受到主安慰。经历诸多患难及试炼后，保罗难免感到沮丧、惧怕（他在哥林多前书2:3写道：“我在你们那里，又软弱，又惧怕，又甚战兢。”）。神甚是恩待保罗，再次向他保证自己将安全地把保罗带回罗马。我们在此留意到：神只应许要将保罗带回罗马，却没有保证行程将是一帆风顺的。
用经文祷告
- 罗马书13:1：“在上有权柄的，人人当顺服他，因为没有权柄不是出于神的，凡掌权的都是神所命的。”即便受到不公的对待，保罗仍顺服了大祭司。祈求我们能顺服神的道，顺服在上有权柄的，从此顺服主的主权。
- 耶稣说：“我差你们去，如同羊进入狼群，所以你们要灵巧像蛇，驯良像鸽子”（太10:16）。顺服掌权者并不意味着我们必须默默地承受一切；神赐予我们智慧，叫我们能利用正确的管道保护自己。与此同时，我们也当留心自己不会违背神的律法（如不许说谎）。祈求我们能“灵巧像蛇，驯良像鸽子”。
- 就连伟大的使徒保罗也有惧怕、战兢的时候（林前2:3）。神对我们都有恩，并应许时刻与我们同在（太28:19-20），且使万事互相效力，叫我们得益处（罗8:28）。祈求我们能信靠神的永恒应许，能坚持侍奉神。
