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Paul's Appeal and Christian Decision-Making
"Since the process of justice had been stalled for two years, Paul now realized that there was no hope of his getting a fair trial in Judea. Instead, his life was in great danger. The famous Roman justice system that had served him well under Gallio (18:17) could not operate for his good here because of the influence of powerful locals. Paul must have felt that this problem would not be as serious in Rome. Besides, the Lord had told him that he would testify in Rome (23:11). Thus, he decided to appeal to Caesar (25:11)—a privilege granted to Roman citizens. Felix must have been relieved by Paul’s appeal to Caesar, for he could now wash his hands of the case. It was clearly beyond his abilities to judge, considering his unfamiliarity with Jewish customs and beliefs. He conferred with his council and declared the appeal valid (25:12)." [1]
The thing that I think I noticed most about this section is how long Paul has been in process with the Roman legal system. For those reading Acts, it's just a paragraph or two, but Paul has lost two years of his life and ministry in essence just sitting around. The Jews are very determined. Paul appeals for a combination of reasons:
1. He can't get a fair trial where he is, and we know that Paul feels that Christians should use their legal rights when possible and ethical.
2. Paul knows his innocence. He is willing to take punishment for any wrongdoing, but his record is clean.
3. Paul knows that God will send him to Rome eventually because he received a vision about it. Considering his circumstances, Paul judges that this is the time that God has for him to testify in Rome.
It's important to note that there are several things going into consideration here. I don't think that Paul makes the decision to appeal on a whim - he takes into account his circumstances, political rights, and the revelation of God to make his decision.
I think it's important we do the same: we face important decisions from time to time. The chances are pretty great that God isn't going to appear to us to give us the answer. So what should we do? Whether it's a job or moving or who you're going to date, make sure you use the wisdom God has given you to make the decision. Some questions to ask:
Do I want to do this? (sometimes God may call us to do difficult things, in something such as a long-term job or relationship, this is an important question)
How will this help me to know and glorify God more? (this is the point of our existence - what we are created to do. This is probably the most important question to ask. Be honest about the answer!)
Do my circumstances make this possible right now? (sometimes we need to exercise great faith, but we also need to be grounded in reality in our decision making, lest we enter into great debt or other bad circumstances)
Is this right for me to do? (don't go against clear commands of the God, even though it may be what feels good and what you want to do)
Obviously this isn't exhaustive, but just a few helpful questions in decision-making. REMEMBER: important decisions are just that: important! Don't leave them to the flip of a coin or a little tingly feeling in your tummy. God has given us wisdom and His word to guide us. Use them!
Paul's Appeal and Christian Decision-Making
"Since the process of justice had been stalled for two years, Paul now realized that there was no hope of his getting a fair trial in Judea. Instead, his life was in great danger. The famous Roman justice system that had served him well under Gallio (18:17) could not operate for his good here because of the influence of powerful locals. Paul must have felt that this problem would not be as serious in Rome. Besides, the Lord had told him that he would testify in Rome (23:11). Thus, he decided to appeal to Caesar (25:11)—a privilege granted to Roman citizens. Felix must have been relieved by Paul’s appeal to Caesar, for he could now wash his hands of the case. It was clearly beyond his abilities to judge, considering his unfamiliarity with Jewish customs and beliefs. He conferred with his council and declared the appeal valid (25:12)." [1]
The thing that I think I noticed most about this section is how long Paul has been in process with the Roman legal system. For those reading Acts, it's just a paragraph or two, but Paul has lost two years of his life and ministry in essence just sitting around. The Jews are very determined. Paul appeals for a combination of reasons:
1. He can't get a fair trial where he is, and we know that Paul feels that Christians should use their legal rights when possible and ethical.
2. Paul knows his innocence. He is willing to take punishment for any wrongdoing, but his record is clean.
3. Paul knows that God will send him to Rome eventually because he received a vision about it. Considering his circumstances, Paul judges that this is the time that God has for him to testify in Rome.
It's important to note that there are several things going into consideration here. I don't think that Paul makes the decision to appeal on a whim - he takes into account his circumstances, political rights, and the revelation of God to make his decision.
I think it's important we do the same: we face important decisions from time to time. The chances are pretty great that God isn't going to appear to us to give us the answer. So what should we do? Whether it's a job or moving or who you're going to date, make sure you use the wisdom God has given you to make the decision. Some questions to ask:
Do I want to do this? (sometimes God may call us to do difficult things, in something such as a long-term job or relationship, this is an important question)
How will this help me to know and glorify God more? (this is the point of our existence - what we are created to do. This is probably the most important question to ask. Be honest about the answer!)
Do my circumstances make this possible right now? (sometimes we need to exercise great faith, but we also need to be grounded in reality in our decision making, lest we enter into great debt or other bad circumstances)
Is this right for me to do? (don't go against clear commands of the God, even though it may be what feels good and what you want to do)
Obviously this isn't exhaustive, but just a few helpful questions in decision-making. REMEMBER: important decisions are just that: important! Don't leave them to the flip of a coin or a little tingly feeling in your tummy. God has given us wisdom and His word to guide us. Use them!
[1] Ajith Fernando, Acts, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998), 593.
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