Paul gives us his background today. We see all that he has done, all he has learned from, all that has happened in his life. He was uniquely positioned to make a difference for the kingdom by bridging the gap between the Gentiles and the Jews. He had that ability because of who he was. Today, God has you where He has you for a reason. Maybe that reason is to learn. Maybe it is to act. Prayerfully listen to the Spirit today. He will reveal. He will show you. Listen, and you will learn why God has you where He has you.

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Good morning. Today, we continue our journey through the book of Acts, focusing on the significant shift in the life of the Apostle Paul. Last time, Paul announced his intention to go to Jerusalem, fully aware of the trials awaiting him. From this point forward, Paul will find himself in custody for the rest of his life, under the supervision of various groups, whether Jewish, Roman, or others.

Today, we’ll witness Paul’s efforts to make a defense for himself and, as always, to use every opportunity to point people to Jesus. Let’s start with Acts 21:37 through Acts 22:5:

“37 Just as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, ‘May I say something to you?’ The tribune replied, ‘Do you know Greek? Then you are not the Egyptian who recently stirred up a revolt and led 4,000 assassins out into the wilderness.’ Paul replied, ‘I am a Jew from Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.’ 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: ‘Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.’ 3 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said: ‘I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them, I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem.'”

In this passage, we can observe Paul’s intelligence and education. He surprises the Roman soldiers by conversing with them in Greek and then seamlessly shifts to Hebrew when addressing the Jewish people, earning their respect as well. Paul lays out his credentials, highlighting his Jewish heritage, education under Gamaliel, his past as a zealous persecutor of Christians, and his journey to Damascus to persecute believers.

The key lesson here is that God places us where we are for a purpose. You are not where you are by accident. This moment in your life might be a season of learning and growth or a period when God prepares you for action. Take a moment to consider your circumstances and what God might be teaching you in this very moment.

Whether you are in a phase of growth or readiness for action, be faithful to what God is calling you to do. Paul’s life is an example of how God positions us precisely where we need to be to fulfill His purpose. As you ponder your own life, remember that the reason for your current position may not be immediate success or perfect circumstances. It might be a season of learning and growth, and you’ll emerge better prepared for God’s plan in the future.

In tomorrow’s discussion, we will delve into Paul’s testimony, a recurring theme in the book of Acts. I hope you have a wonderful day, and I look forward to exploring Paul’s story with you tomorrow.