It's the eve of my Pharmacy Practice exam today!
In chapter 22, Paul was allowed to speak among the Jews in the temple. He told them about the road to Damascus, how he was blinded by the light of God and made well again through Ananias. Still the Jews refused to believe. This led to the commander's decision to have him scourged but finding out about his Roman citizenship stopped him. The following day, he stood before the Sanhedrin.
__________________________________________________________________________
My mind wandered whilst I was reading the last 4 or 5 verses of chapter 22. I kept thinking if I have missed an important information with regard to Paul's citizenship. The reaction of the centurion (v26) was the same reaction as the Philippian officers (16:38) when they found out that Paul was a Roman. They were alarmed.
What's so important about being a Roman citizen anyway? According to the footnotes on Mike's bible, being a Roman citizen meant exclusion from all violent forms of punishment which include: crucifixion, scourging and beating with rods. See how God worked here? Just amazing. Paul was spared from physical persecution, saved by his citizenship, saved by God's gracious hand.
Which brings me to think (now I am sidetracking), I am due to apply for my British citizenship.. I still can not decide if I should pursue it. Unfortunately, I am not interested to have a British passport at all. I know someone who is actually willing to pay thousands and thousands of pounds to get his hand on the British passport but not me.
Anyway, may be God has a plan, may be I am going to need this citizenship really badly one day (may be like Paul, a matter of life and death).. I dont know. The application is so expensive though, that's one of my reasons why but most importantly, I dont really want to stay here for good. Help me pray for it then we'll see where God leads!
No comments:
Post a Comment