The Gentiles.

Acts 22:17-22, “When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”

When Paul was a new believer, the Lord directed him away from the hostilities out of Jerusalem, and for our everlasting benefit sent him to bring the good news to all of our ancestors. We can give thanks that the good news is for all nations! And yet now, it is the Lord’s plan for him to return and to be met with this hostility that will take him away to Rome for the rest of his life. The hostility reminds us of that directed towards Jesus, when the crowds cried out “Crucify him!” Are we as caught up in how the Lord wants to use us?

We thank you that no matter what happens, we are in your hands and that you direct our steps!

ESV Lectionary