This is one of those chapters that has a lot of narrative, but not a lot of content for the sake of the heart. Paul’s been taken into protective custody because the conservative Jews want him to shut up and go away – and are willing to kill him in not. So he was taken to Caesarea for safe keeping.
The only things that jumps out for me are that (1) Paul had a sister and a nephew; (2) the Sadducees were “orthodox,” in that they believed in the old ways in Judaism – that there was no afterlife at all; and (3) the Romans took the protection of Roman citizens VERY seriously.
One thing to note. The Spirit’s conversation to take courage is an example, at least for me, of the way God leverages circumstances for his purpose. The gift of freewill seems to get in the way of God’s plans on a regular basis. In our readings about Paul’s trek to Jerusalem, he seems to have been warned by the Holy Spirit to NOT go to Jerusalem (21:11). Nonetheless, Paul opted to continue his journey (21:13). Then in today’s reading, the Spirit speaks encouragement to Paul (22:11). It seems that God’s will may have been to keep Paul on the road at least for a bit longer, but when Paul went on to Jerusalem, the Spirit’s directives were ignored. And though Paul’s decision may not have been the “best” choice, the Spirit apparently leverages the decision for good anyway.
The theological implications of this notion are HUGE, so I’ll leave it with my rather typical response: I don’t know. God will do what God will do. I’m only responsible for doing those things the Jesus commanded us to do … and those I DO understand. God will just have to work out the rest of the details without my help. 🙂
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