Acts 22:26

Thursday, 14 December 2023

When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman.’” Acts 22:26

A literal translation would be, “And the centurion, having heard, having gone to the commander reported, saying, ‘See what you are about to do! For this man is Roman” (CG).

As the Romans were binding Paul, intending to scourge him, he asked, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” An immediate response follows. Luke next records, “And the centurion, having heard, having gone to the commander.”

As soon as Paul uttered his words, the centurion realized there could be trouble. Any further action by him concerning Paul without direct approval of the commander could mean any level of punishment. Therefore, he “reported, saying, ‘See what you are about to do!’”

Some manuscripts place this as a question, saying, “What are you about to do?” Others make it a proclamation, “See what you are about to do...” The change doesn’t substantially alter the intent. The centurion is simply protecting himself and the commander from real trouble. If the commander presses the punishment on Paul, and Paul’s words are true, it could permanently change the course of their lives. The centurion’s next words explain why, “For this man is Roman.”

Paul was a citizen of Rome. What they were about to do was illegal and a punishable offense. Further action against Paul had to be stopped, and at this point, trouble may already be brewing. Paul’s personal attitude towards them could still result in real problems ahead.

Life application: Citizenship in a country carries certain rights and responsibilities. However, in many countries today, the leaders are purposefully following an agenda where those who are illegal in a country are treated better than those who are citizens.

Those who productively work are having the effort of their labors stolen from them and handed over to those who have no right to them. When a citizen is raped or killed by an illegal alien, the government – from the local level even to the federal level – will shield the illegal from punishment and deportation. Why do you think this is occurring?

There is a globalist agenda that is attempting to bring the world under a single authority, removing national barriers, rights, and laws. In order to do this, destroying the foundational underpinnings of societies is required. The only time those following this communist agenda have a change of heart is when their agenda personally backfires on them.

These things are, however, inevitable. The Bible’s prophecies about the future are being realized with each wicked step of these insufferable people. Don’t be surprised as you continue to see those in authority despise the nations they are charged to run and the people they are sworn to protect. Realize that the times are drawing near for God’s judgment on a global scale.

This also means that the time for Jesus to come for His people is also drawing near. Be ready! Tell people about God’s goodness in Christ now. The time for our departure is coming quickly.

Heavenly Father, help us to be prompt in speaking to others about their need for Jesus. May we not hold back in explaining the good news. Rather, may we be about fulfilling our call to evangelize, sharing the wonderful news that Jesus has prevailed over death, and He promises us eternal life in a world without wickedness. Instill this desire in us, O God. Amen.